Category: Health Protection

ABU DHABI: The fourth edition of the Interdisciplinary Urology Care Consortium (IUCC 2024) will unveil its upcoming conference scheduled for 25th and 26May, hosted at the esteemed Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi.

This event guarantees to be a dynamic and educational assembly of top-tier urology professionals, centred on the theme “Transcending Therapies, Driving Technologies’.

IUCC 2024 serves as a distinctive conference, uniting expertise across various medical domains to foster dialogue, exchange cutting-edge insights, and drive innovations in urological care.

This year’s edition pledges to surpass prior reiterations, anticipating over 500 attendees from 20 countries. We expect over 70 distinguished speakers representing diverse medical disciplines to spotlight the field.

Dr. Abdulqadir Al-Zarooni, President of the Emirates Urology Society (EUS) and IUCC Co-Chair, stated, “The fourth edition focuses on a range of intriguing topics related to collaboration and communication among urologists, alongside
their peers in obstetrics and gynecology, male health, general medicine, radiology, primary care, and oncology. This exchange emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge to enhance collective expertise among association members and specialized physicians from various medical disciplines, contributing to comprehensive and effective healthcare development.”

Attendees can anticipate a lineup of 8 comprehensive scientific sessions, featuring presentations, panel discussions, and 7 interactive workshops spotlighting the forefront of urological advancements. Themes encompass uro-andrology, uro-radiology, uro-gynaecology, uro-technology, uro-oncology, male infertility, sexual dysfunction, and family medicine, exploring the latest trends and emerging technologies in each area.

Moreover, Dr. Yasser Farahat, Chairman of the Arab School of Urology and IUCC Co-Chair stated, “In the fourth edition of IUCC, which is being held for the second time in Abu Dhabi, we gather a selection of doctors and exper
ts from various medical fields to enhance collaborative efforts in advancing this domain. We aim to strive towards providing high-quality healthcare to patients by showcasing the latest technologies and products in the field of urology.”

A key feature of the conference is the concurrent exhibition, which offers a prime stage for prominent companies and vendors within the urology sphere to unveil their cutting-edge products and technologies.

Attendees will engage directly with exhibitors, witnessing live demonstrations and gaining insights into the forefront of urological care advancements.

The fourth edition of IUCC is organised by the Arab Association of Urology and Arab School of Urology, supported by the Emirates Oncology Society, Dubai Health Authority, and Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, and conference secretariat is INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: A renowned surgeon at Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women and Children, part of the M42 group, has performed life-changing endometriosis treatment on an international patient using ultrasonic scalpel technology.

Chloe Bremner, a 24-year-old from the UK, sought treatment from this esteemed facility due to its reputation for exceptional care and advanced technology, which she believed could swiftly address her condition.

Abu Dhabi’s renowned status as a medical hub, drawing patients worldwide, provided Bremner with confidence in the expertise available to her.

Affecting one in 10 women globally, endometriosis is often misdiagnosed leading to prolonged suffering. The condition involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, causing severe pain and potential infertility. Diagnosis can take seven to 10 years, emphasising the need for more specialised centres of excellence for endometriosis.

Chloe’s battle with endometriosis began in her early teens and escalated following
her first surgery last year. Unable to fund the expensive treatment privately, Chloe turned to a crowdfunding platform. It was through this that Dr. Zahid Raza Khan, a globally renowned expert in obstetrics and gynecology, and advanced minimal access gynecological surgery saw Chloe’s cry for help and reached out to offer support. This led Chloe to consider receiving the life-changing treatment in the UAE, and specifically in Abu Dhabi.

‘As pioneers in the field of women’s health, we at Danat Al Emarat Hospital recognise the profound impact of endometriosis on patients’ lives worldwide. By offering world-class treatment and tech-enabled personalised care, we aim to empower women to reclaim control over their health and wellbeing. As part of the M42 group, our commitment to provide tech-enabled health solutions for people extends beyond borders, and we continue to invite people across the globe seeking innovative solutions for chronic conditions,’ says Omar Al Naqbi, Executive Director of Danat Al Emarat Hospi
tal.

Danat Al Emarat Hospital is one of only three Centers of Excellence for multidisciplinary endometriosis care in the UAE. The hospital is committed to providing specialized and comprehensive care for patients with endometriosis, focusing on a multidisciplinary approach to managing and treating this gynecological condition effectively.

As an international patient at Danat Al Emarat, Chloe expressed heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional care and unwavering support she experienced. Under Dr. Khan’s compassionate guidance and the attentive nursing staff, Chloe found comfort, as they empathised with her pain and placed her well-being at the forefront.

The hospital’s world-class, tech-enabled facilities and holistic approach to patient care offered the ultimate peace of mind.

“Danat Al Emarat Hospital provided me with more than just medical care; they offered understanding, support, as a person first and foremost, and a personalized pathway to my healing. My journey with endometriosis has been challeng
ing, but finding this unique and accessible kind of treatment at Danat Al Emarat has been life-changing,” she said.

Dr. Khan highlighted innovative techniques such as ultrasonic scalpel technology, emphasising its precision and effectiveness compared to traditional methods. These techniques allow for minimally invasive surgery and precise excision, paving the way for improving outcomes in endometriosis treatment worldwide. With ultrasonic scalpel technology, Danat Al Emarat Hospital aims to provide superior outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence, setting a new standard in endometriosis care.

Through a multidisciplinary approach spearheaded by Dr. Khan, Chloe was offered an innovative treatment plan, compassionate support, and comprehensive care to meet her unique needs, and finally, ending her decade-long struggle.

Understanding the complexities of treating endometriosis, Dr. Khan and his team effectively treated Chloe’s condition, providing her with a positive prognosis. During the procedure, meticulo
us care was taken to protect vital structures such as the ureters, which connect the kidneys to the bladder, ensuring Chloe’s safety throughout the surgery. Additional examinations, including bladder camera tests and biopsies, provided comprehensive insights into Chloe’s condition, guiding her postoperative care plan to ensure long-term relief.

“Endometriosis demands specialised care and innovative approaches for effective, personalised treatment. At Danat Al Emarat, we are dedicated to pioneering advancements in endometriosis surgery, ensuring better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients like Chloe,’ said Dr. Khan.

ometriosis is a progressive condition with serious implications, but it is not unbeatable. Following the successful surgery, Chloe’s recovery journey has been meticulously mapped out. Regular follow-ups, both in person and via telemedicine, have been scheduled to monitor her progress and address any lingering concerns.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Bethlehem – Ma’an – The British newspaper “Mirror” quoted scientific reports confirming the existence of a new strain of the Corona virus that is likely to be “more difficult to stop” as its immunity to current vaccines increases.

This strain is called FLiRT, and it is believed to constitute 25% of coronavirus cases in the United States currently.

For its part, the Daily Star website reported that there is another mutant known as KP.1.1, which represents 7.5% of Corona cases in the United States, amid fears of its spread around the world.

In this context, a spokesman for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said: ‘Viruses are constantly changing through mutations, and sometimes these mutations lead to a new type of virus. Some changes and mutations allow the virus to spread more easily or make it resistant to treatments and vaccines. With the spread The virus may mutate and become difficult to stop.’

Source: Maan News Agency

ABU DHABI: Burjeel Holdings has commissioned a cutting-edge, advanced molecular diagnostics and immune profile testing laboratory in the UAE.

To manage the technical and operational aspects, the Group’s central laboratory – CoLab – has partnered with Canada-based OncoHelix that provides specialised molecular and immune profile testing for clinical diagnostic, and translational research in North America and worldwide.

Located at Burjeel Holdings’ flagship facility, Burjeel Medical City (BMC), OncoHelix-CoLab is a first-of-its-kind facility in the UAE with comprehensive capabilities in molecular, cellular immunology and transplant diagnostics.

Radha Krishna Panday, Ambassador of Canada to the UAE, John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, Dr. Faisal Khan, CEO of OncoHelix, and top officials from Burjeel Holdings attended the opening ceremony.

The establishment of OncoHelix-CoLab marks a significant advancement in diagnostic medicine, as it enables specialised and sophisticated tests to be performed locally. This
eliminates the need for the traditional pack-and-ship approach and prevents samples from being sent out of the UAE, streamlining the process and retaining critical diagnostics within the country.

The state-of-the-art lab facility will utilise advanced technologies like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Droplet Digital PCR, and Multi-colour Flow cytometry to offer a slew of advanced diagnostic tests.

This facility will allow the repatriation of previously outsourced tests, and as a result, healthcare providers can expect expedited results and heightened diagnostic precision, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

OncoHelix-CoLab is uniquely positioned to address the specific healthcare needs of the UAE and MENA region, offering a wide range of specialised services including cancer genomic profiling, molecular diagnostics, cellular diagnostics, transplant diagnostics, and specialised immunology tests.

Dr. Meer Taher Shabani Rad, Chief Medical Officer of OncoHelix-CoLab, said, ‘With OncoHelix-CoLab
, we are establishing a first-of-its-kind facility that utilises leading-edge international expertise to meet local needs. It offers a comprehensive suite of diagnostic services, providing deeper insights into disease pathology at a molecular level. Through this innovative collaboration with OncoHelix, we aim to address the unique healthcare challenges in the UAE and MENA, paving the way for better-tailored healthcare solutions and improved patient outcomes.’

Burjeel Holdings’ new OncoHelix-CoLab will enable significant cost savings and operational efficiencies, expected to benefit the entire healthcare system across the region. The laboratory also supports the UAE’s strategic priorities of achieving self-reliance in healthcare and driving medical tourism. It is also well-positioned to serve as a centre for research and development, contributing to innovation and advances in treatment.

The laboratory will also offer clinical training and fellowship programmes in molecular and transplant diagnostics, further
building local capacity and nurturing talent in advanced diagnostics.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Leading international institutions praised Dubai’s healthcare economic approach implemented by the Dubai Health Authority, with notable entities including OECD, World Bank, and University of Hong Kong.

The accolades were in response to Dubai’s tenth edition of the report for Health Accounts System for the emirate of Dubai (HASD), which was released at the end of last year.

The report detailed the strength and dynamism of the healthcare insurance system, its service sustainability, remarkable development, and growth in substantial healthcare spending.

According to the report, healthcare expenditure in the region reached AED21.4 billion in 2022.

Sameh El-Saharty, Lead Health Policy Specialist, MENA region at The World Bank, stated that Dubai was the first to establish a national healthcare accounting system in 2012 at the emirate level, not only within the cities of the GCC but also across the Middle East and North Africa region. This reflects Dubai’s clear vision of acquiring strong financial eviden
ce to guide its regulatory decisions, commending Dubai Health Authority for its commitment to implementing a transparent healthcare national accounting methodology and policy.

Dr. El-Saharty added, ‘Countries striving for comprehensive healthcare often find it easier to expand coverage to include new population groups or enhance service levels provided to their residents. However, improving financial protection is often the more challenging option to implement, covering nearly a third of global national health expenditures through individual spending. Yet in the case of Dubai, out-of-pocket spending on health care has decreased from 18 percent in 2015 to 10 percent in 2022, reducing the burden of individual spending and enhancing financial protection for Dubai residents, with these rates among the lowest compared to selected countries in the OECD and GCC.’

This sentiment was echoed by David Morgan, Head of Health Accounts at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, highlighting Dubai as h
aving one of the lowest out-of-pocket healthcare spend as a percentage of total healthcare spending, which is highly distinctive compared to GCC and OECD countries.

He said, ‘The Dubai Health Authority reflected this significant achievement in the release of its latest healthcare accounting report after ten years since the inaugural healthcare accounting report in 2012. During this period, Dubai’s healthcare system has evolved greatly in terms of funding and service provision, emphasising the importance of tracking regulatory changes and monitoring the performance of the healthcare system in Dubai.’

Morgan stressed the importance and value of Dubai Health Authority’s healthcare accounting methodology, highlighting that providing comprehensive healthcare coverage, along with reforms in accessing inpatient and outpatient services, and allocating specialised programs for financing services for low-income individuals, all require obtaining essential information to measure the impact of these vital initiatives,
provided by the report issued by the Authority.

Morgan added, ‘The Dubai Health Insurance Corporation, a subsidiary of the Authority, has succeeded – in collaboration with key stakeholders – in leveraging powerful tools such as household health surveys that meet international standards and definitions, detailed administrative data sources, and eClaimlink data to provide a comprehensive and accurate picture of the amount spent on healthcare, its source, and the types of goods and services spent on.’

He stated, ‘Hence, the sustainability and improvement of the healthcare accounting system in Dubai can be considered the cornerstone in efforts to provide high-quality health data to help enhance the development of a dynamic and modern healthcare system for the residents of Dubai emphasising the importance of monitoring regulatory changes and the performance of the healthcare system in Dubai.’

Professor David Bishai, Director of the School of Public Health at the University of Hong Kong, praised the healthcare a
ccounting methodology and policy followed by the Dubai Health Authority. He stated, ‘National healthcare accounting has proven its value in tracking expenditure growth trends in the health sector, demonstrating its ability to assist analysts in analysing types of services and beneficiary age groups. This is particularly noteworthy as it clearly indicates the level of cost growth response to various healthcare policies.’

Commenting on the international acclaim received by the Dubai Health Authority in this regard, Saleh Al Hashimi, CEO of Dubai Health Insurance Corporation at the DHA, stated that Dubai’s healthcare system is undergoing radical transformations not only in its management based on smart solutions and the latest technologies but also in the high-quality services it provides. Additionally, it is swiftly responding to the growing demand for care services both within the UAE and beyond.

Al Hashimi highlighted the efforts made by the Authority in collaboration with all its strategic partners to prov
ide a comprehensive and integrated healthcare insurance umbrella that caters to all segments of society with a variety of services and packages, based on thoughtful future plans, precise indicators, and modern and advanced tools ensuring the sustainability of the healthcare system.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) today announced a new milestone in the hospital’s use of definitive surgical repair using robotic surgery; successfully treating a patient suffering from complications related to multiple gallstones and features of acute cholecystitis.

The surgery, led by Dr. Salem Al Harthi, Consultant and Chair of the Surgery Department at SSMC, marked another significant achievement in the field of minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted procedures. It also further underscores the hospital’s commitment to delivering advanced healthcare solutions centred around personalised care and focusing on the patient’s needs.

The 30-year-old patient was admitted to the hospital with clinical features of bile duct injury, a rare complication that can happen following a surgical procedure related to multiple gallstones and of acute cholecystitis – an incidence rate of three to six cases per thousand.

Upon further radiological investigations, including a CT scan and MRI, the diag
nosis of bile duct injury was confirmed. The patient was subsequently scheduled for a delayed bile duct injury repair, which was performed using SSMC’s surgical robotic-assisted technology.

Dr. Al Harthi said, ‘Using the latest technologies in robotic-assisted surgery, I was able to perform precise surgical repair through extremely small incisions. The use of intra venous dye, robotic magnification, and precise instrument control, facilitated the complex anastomosis between the bile duct injury and the small bowel in very close proximity to the liver. The surgery proved successful, even under the most challenging anatomical conditions.

“The technology we can deploy for robotic-assisted surgery allows me and my fellow surgeons at SSMC to perform a highly intricate procedure with levels of outstanding precision and control. In this case, it provided our multidisciplinary surgical team with an unparalleled visualization of the bile duct anatomy, enabling us to achieve optimal outcomes for the patient.”

The pa
tient was discharged within three days, with no further complications reported.

Source: Emirates News Agency