How a determined 38-year-old Hanan beat the odds through a high-risk pregnancy in Al Ain

Dubai: A 38-year-old Emirati woman, who has been undergoing dialysis for the past three years, has delivered a baby boy against all odds. Al Ain-based Hanan, who goes on dialysis three times a week even now, told Gulf News, “Nothing is impossible. Never give up hope and have full faith in the Almighty.” The mum of two, who has a five-year-old daughter in addition to the newborn, said she was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease four years earlier. “I was a diabetic and felt shattered when I heard the news, but thanks to the support of my husband and my family, I accepted my situation and tried to work around it,” she said. The positive mindset prepared her well for what lay in store. Hanan said she received the most pleasant surprise when she discovered that she was pregnant last year. “I yearned to have another child and wanted to explore the possibility of going in for IVF treatment when my prayers were answered,” she said. Although she was well aware of the challenges and risks involved in going ahead with the pregnancy, she said she was determined to see it through. She was under the treatment of Dr. Venkat Sainaresh Vellanki, Consultant Nephrologist at Burjeel Royal Hospital, Al Ain, where she was put on a tailored dialysis treatment plan while also a strict protocol to keep her sugar and hypertension under control.

Dr Vellanki said, “Conceiving while on dialysis is extremely unusual. In the rare occasions where dialysis patients do conceive, the pregnancies are complex and the vast majority end in miscarriage/preterm.”

Accordingly, he and a multi-disciplinary team of doctors at the hospital, including Dr. Sulsa M. Jain, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology, counselled Hanan on the potential complications that could arise during her pregnancy while on dialysis. Hanan said, “I knew it would not be easy and I was anxious. But at no point did I doubt my decision to ahead with the pregnancy. So I took great care to follow the instructions I received.”

According to the doctors, Hanan’s case was veritable challenge because of many factors. Apart from the kidney disease, her risk factors also included her age, diabetes, weight, hypertension, anemia, anuria and tendency to bleed. “There was also a need for constant monitoring for congenital anomalies in the child, intrauterine growth retardation, and foetal distress from the cord around the neck.”

Hanan’s husband Saeed Al Kaabi admitted that it was a tough time for the entire family. “I was worried about my wife and baby’s condition. Luckily, by the grace of the Almighty and the support of the doctors, we were able to overcome the situation. The strength of a mother prevailed despite the dialysis, as she delivered the greatest gift of all – a new life,” he said. Doctors let on that the dialysis regimen had to be tailored to accommodate Hanan’s other appointments with medical consultants, besides laboratory and ultrasound tests. She also wanted to travel out of Al Ain during the Ramadan break. Dr Vellanki said the task before the doctors was not just to ensure safe dialysis, but prevent clotting, maintain cardiac stability and keep all her other health concerns under check. “Because the patient had no urine output while on dialysis, it was difficult to monitor her for possible toxemia of pregnancy. We relied heavily on the radiologist to monitor uterine and placental blood circulation indicators. We also had to ensure that there was no risk of foetal distress from fluctuating blood pressure changes during dialysis.”

An elective Cesarean was planned at 36 weeks, but four days before the big day, the baby started showing abnormal blood flow and abnormal heart rate. As such, an emergency C-section was carried out and Hanan’s baby boy, weighing 2.1kg, arrived. Named Suhail Al Kaabi, he was immediately taken to the NICU where he, like his warrior mum, battled it out.

“I cannot thank the doctors at the hospital enough,” said Hanan. “I never lost faith and I received the best possible support I could for me and my child.”

For the doctors, the challenges continued even after delivery as they had to readjust pre-and post-dialysis weights to minimise excessive fluid removal, monitor for early signs of depression, infection, toxemia of pregnancy, anemia, hypertension, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, blood clots and lactation issues. As Dr Jain said, “Hanan’s journey had been long, arduous, and emotionally challenging, but it was worth every moment. It showed that motherhood can be challenging, but with the right attitude, it is a journey filled with love and joy. Her story truly reminds us that even in the face of adversity, one must never lose faith and believe in the power of love and courage.”

Read Full Story: GulfNews | KhaleejTimes | GulfToday

Jumana and Jannah recover well after complex corrective surgeries

Abu Dhabi: Jumana and Jannah are a pair of bubbly twins. Having just turned one, they are a delight to anyone who meets them. Few can imagine all that have gone through in the 12 months that they have been around. But as their father Shaik Jakeer Hussain, an Abu Dhabi-based nurse, recalls, the girls were born with heads that were abnormal in shape. It was something that became more obvious to him and his wife by the time the girls were four months. While one of their heads appeared broad, from side to side, and narrow from front to back with a protrusion of the eyes, the other’s forehead had a bulge on the left with a seemingly flattened right side, among other deformities. Realising that things were not quite how they should be, he and his wife approached Dr. Essam Elgamal, Consultant Neurosurgery, at the Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi. A series of investigations later, a multi-disciplinary team, led by Dr Elgamal, concluded that the girls were suffering from craniosynostosis, or deformities in the skull, which could have serious ramifications if it were not addressed at the earliest. What followed were complex surgeries where the doctors actually reshaped the skulls of Jumana and Jannah.

What is craniosynostosis?

Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in an infant’s skull fuse together very quickly, leading to an abnormal head shape and hindering brain growth, thus causing potential developmental issues. The condition is said to occur in approximately one in 2,500 live births. According to doctors, it is unusual to come across identical twins with craniosynostosis with no evidence of genetic abnormalities. In the twins’ case, Dr. Elgamal explains that the head shape differed in both twins. “The first twin’s head had a broad side-to-side appearance while it was narrow from front to back with protruding eyes with evidence of raised pressure inside the head. The second twin’s head had a flattened appearance on the right side of the forehead with the forehead bulging on the left side and back of the head with abnormal, asymmetric eyes.”

He says the medical team had to conduct two separate surgeries involving procedures like “fronto-orbital advancement, calvarial remodeling, and forehead reshaping” to correct the shape of their skulls and help increase the amount of space for their brains to grow. The procedures, which were complex and delicate, required a high level of expertise. During the surgeries, conducted two weeks apart, the doctors spent hours carefully removing and reshaping the bones in their skulls to allow for normal brain growth and development. The team admits there were tense moments in the operating theatre, but they were determined to ensure the best possible outcome.

“The first twin suffered severe hypotension towards the end of one procedure, and we had to get an urgent cardiac doppler to rule out air embolism. During the second twin’s surgery, bleeding was as expected, and the child received blood transfusion. But both surgeries were successful, thanks to the expertise of our multidisciplinary team, including the neurosurgery, anesthesia, PICU, nursing, and pediatric cardiology,” said Dr. Elgamal.

Road to recovery

Jumana and Jennah, who are on the road to recovery, are expected to make a full turnaround in due course. Due to the complexity of the case, the twins must wear customised helmets that are necessary to improve their head shape during the next six to 12 months of recovery. They will also require regular follow-ups till they turn six, when the brain completes 90-95 per cent of its growth, according to the doctors. Hussain and his wife, who are a relieved couple, say feel extremely grateful. “We are so thankful to the doctors and nurses who have taken care of our babies. They have given our children a chance to live a normal life,” says Hussain. The story of Jumana and Jennah holds out an important lesson for all parents, says Dr. Elgamal. According to him, parents need to be vigilant of signs and symptoms that could point to a serious problem. A misshapen skull, small and hard ridges on the skull, and an asymmetrical face could indicate craniosynostosis, he explains.

“Surgical intervention becomes necessary in avoiding problems during brain growth,” he points out.

What happenes craniosynostosis is left untreated?

“In many non-operated cases, patients may suffer a decline in school performance, migraines, and raised intracranial pressure, in addition to psychological problems resulting from bullying. For the best surgical outcome, it is optimal to seek treatment before the baby is one year old,” he advises

Read Full Story: GulfNews | DailyMotion

The Group will assume full operational responsibility of the 122-bed multi-specialty hospital in Al Dhafra region.

Abu Dhabi, 24 July, 2023: In a significant move that further underlines its Operation & Management (O&M) capabilities, Burjeel Holdings (“Burjeel Holdings” or the “Group”), one of the largest healthcare services providers in the MENA region, has been awarded a contract to operate and manage Al Dhannah Hospital, one of the largest healthcare facilities in the Al Dhafra region, owned by ADNOC.

Under the agreement, Burjeel Holdings will assume full operational responsibility of Al Dhannah Hospital, aiming to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services to ADNOC employees, their families, and the community in Al Dhafra region. The appointment will enable the Group to promote world-class services in the region by delivering patient-centered outcomes and coordinated care through clinically integrated operations.

Burjeel Holdings has a proven track record in delivering high-quality healthcare services and its team of skilled and experienced medical professionals will ensure the efficiency of the hospital with optimal resource utilization. The Group possesses advanced technology systems to enable the facilities to deliver excellent patient care and is fully equipped to handle complex care cases, including trauma, organ transplants, women’s care, pediatrics, orthopedics, spine, and neuro care.

John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, added, “We are honored to deepen our collaboration with ADNOC by bringing our state-of-the-art healthcare services to the Al Dhafra region. This agreement is a testament to Burjeel Holdings’ capabilities and experience in the O&M space, enabling the Group to grow and expand further in an asset-light manner in the UAE and region. Our longstanding experience in working with ADNOC will enable us to unlock the best offerings with highest standards to the region, all centered around providing the highest quality patient care.”

Al Dhannah Hospital is one of the largest multi-specialty hospitals in the Al Dhafra region, with a capacity of 122 beds, accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) offering multi-specialty services, including occupational medicine, orthopedics, pediatrics, and emergency care.

About Burjeel Holdings

Founded in 2007, Burjeel Holdings is one of the leading private healthcare services providers in the MENA region. With a network of 62 assets, including 16 hospitals and 24 medical centers, as well as pharmacies and other allied services, the group provides the highest standard of patient care in the region. Burjeel Holdings’ brands include Burjeel Hospitals, Medeor Hospitals, LLH Hospitals, Lifecare Hospitals, and Tajmeel. It has 12 JCI-accredited facilities, with a total 1,660 patient beds across its operations in UAE and Oman, and holds a leading position in the UAE. The Group has comprehensive cancer care facilities in the UAE, and is the country’s leading mother and childcare provider.

Contacts

Dubai: Watani Al Emarat Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, as part of its efforts to foster collaboration and deliver world class healthcare assistance to its employees and their families. This agreement marks a significant step towards harnessing the extensive healthcare services and benefits offered by Burjeel Hospital.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, Director General of the Watani Al Emarat Foundation, and Mr. Bruno D Souza, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai and Northern Emirates Operations of Burjeel Holding Company. As a robust framework for coordinated efforts between the two parties, the initiative will advance the shared goals of offering comprehensive healthcare support to employees. The execution of this MoU aligns with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically emphasizing the promotion of health and wellbeing for individuals of all ages. H.E. Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, Director General of the Watani Al Emarat Foundation, stated: “We are elated to sign an MoU with Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, as we look forward to providing care for our employees with the assistance of this world-class healthcare facility. Given the hospital’s competence and leading expertise in a wide range of specialties, we are confident that this partnership will benefit the firm and promote comprehensive healthcare support for our employees. Watani Al Emarat is thus committed to advancing collaborations with leading institutions across various sectors, emphasising the value of collaborative efforts to improve institutional competency and achieve ambitious national goals.”

Mr. Bruno D Souza, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai and Northern Emirates at Burjeel Holdings said: “We are pleased to sign this MOU with Watani Al Emarat Foundation, as it generates new prospects in the UAE, especially potential partnerships with public entities. Through this MOU, we look forward to supporting the healthcare ecosystem and providing people with the best services.”

Under the agreement, Watani Al Emarat Foundation will also work closely with Burjeel Hospital to support the hospital’s health awareness campaigns, which will aid in raising public awareness of community health concerns. The foundation’s newest partnership underscores its commitment to ensuring the overall wellbeing of its team and opening the door for advanced healthcare support for its employees.

Read Full Story: Mid-East.info | Zawya | ObserverDubai | TradingView | ArabNews | Menafn | GccBusinessNews | Pantimearabia | menews247

Project ‘NADER’ is intended to span multiple phases, starting from mapping rare diseases in the UAE and the wider region through innovative risk assessment algorithms and moving towards clinical trials with transformative medicines

Abu Dhabi and Palo Alto, CA, 12 June 2023: Burjeel Holdings, one of the largest healthcare providers in the MENA region, and BridgeBio Pharma, Inc., a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on genetic diseases and cancers, have announced a new project to revolutionise the field of early diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases or disorders in the UAE and the region. The two entities signed a preliminary, non-binding Collaboration Agreement establishing a mutual intention to work together on project ‘NADER’ (Needs Assessment and Therapeutics Development for Rare Diseases – ‘nader’ meaning ‘rare’ in Arabic). Genetic in origin, these often life-threatening or chronically debilitating diseases affect a small percentage of the population and are present throughout a person’s entire life, even if symptoms do not immediately appear. The partnership will launch operations in Abu Dhabi to conduct clinical trials and research, leveraging the Emirate’s advanced infrastructure for innovation and life science.

Project ‘NADER’ aims to revolutionise the field of early diagnosis and treatment in order to improve patient outcomes. Both entities intend to collaborate on identifying patients with several rare diseases, including achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia, FGFR-driven craniosynostoses, autosomal dominant hypocalcaemia type 1, limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2i, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Canavan disease, propionic acidemia, methylmalonic acidemia, pantothenate kinase associated neurodegeneration, and others as mutually agreed. Even though these rare diseases affect a small percentage of the population and can present with nonspecific signs and symptoms, they are often misdiagnosed or only diagnosed later in the disease course after severe complications manifest. Accurate and early diagnosis are crucial to starting intervention promptly and avoiding disease progression. The project will also allow identification of patients who have already been diagnosed but do not currently have access to cutting edge therapies or clinical trial options. In the first phase of project ‘NADER’, the two entities intend to utilise innovative risk assessment algorithms that will be deployed through the healthcare provider’s secure internal data to identify patients at risk for specific rare diseases.  Expectations for future phases of the project include analyses of vast amounts of data to identify patterns and markers associated with the diseases and generate personalised risk scores for patients, followed by genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis of identified potential patients. The project also aims to run awareness campaigns and education activities about such rare diseases, to further support the mapping activity and encourage local collaborations from other healthcare providers. Burjeel Holdings will deploy the project across its widespread hospitals and medical centres across the UAE as part of routine diagnostic care, with plans to expand the project through its growing healthcare infrastructure in the region. Local partnerships will also be sought to facilitate wider implementation.

Commenting on the project launch, Dr. Asma Ibrahim Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Center at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “As part of our ongoing efforts to advance early diagnosis and treatment, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is proud to witness yet another leading partnership aimed at propelling transformative medicine to safeguard the health and well-being of community members. Reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for life science and innovation, we remain committed to empowering healthcare providers in the Emirate with the means to lead research studies and conduct clinical trials to map out a path towards discovery and breakthrough healthcare in the Emirate and beyond. Similar initiatives translate the Department’s vision in securing health for all while accelerating healthcare outcomes for the benefit of the global community.”

Speaking on the partnership’s potential totransform the way rare diseases are identified, Mr John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, said: “Project ‘NADER’ marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering the best possible care to our patients. It brings together Burjeel’s expertise in healthcare delivery and outreach and BridgeBio’s vast expertise in delivering breakthrough therapies for rare diseases. By combining our strengths, we seek to address the challenges faced in identification of rare diseases, which often go undiagnosed until symptoms become severe. The project will enable early interventions whether in the form of established treatments or novel therapies.”

The first phase will aim to set the roadmap to providing novel treatment options for identified patients through clinical trials. Dr. Khaled Musallam, Group Chief Research Officer of Burjeel Holdings and project lead said: “Many rare diseases are highly clustered in our region due to our unique genetic pool. These diseases are often ‘lost in the system’ or have very limited treatment options. Our ultimate goal from project ‘NADER’ is to link patients to evolving treatment options through clinical trials of small molecules and gene therapies. The first step to bringing such innovative solutions to our region is to identify disease burden and patients’ unmet needs.”

“Building on our already established foundation of genetic disease patient care, we hope that BridgeBio can help bring more patients access to novel treatments, clinical trials, and capabilities alongside a strong partner like Burjeel, and so we are grateful to be working with them to expand our efforts in the MENA region. Our vision is to serve patients around the world, and this is an important step in that direction,” said Neil Kumar, Ph.D., BridgeBio founder and CEO.

As the collaboration unfolds, both Burjeel Holdings and BridgeBio anticipate significant progress in the field of rare diseases in the region. The project could also provide patients in the region with increased access to BridgeBio’s state-of-the-art pharmacologic and gene therapies that are currently in development.

About Burjeel Holdings

Founded in 2007, Burjeel Holdings is one of the leading private healthcare services providers in the MENA region. With a network of 62 assets, including 16 hospitals and 24 medical centres, as well as pharmacies and other allied services, the group provides the highest standard of patient care in the region. Burjeel Medical City, the flagship facility of Burjeel Holdings, is a 400-bed multi-specialty hospital and quaternary care centre located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It offers high-quality specialised treatment and complex care in over 40 adult and paediatric specialties, aided by state-of-the-art medical technology and an international team of experts. Find more information at www.burjeelmedicalcity.com, www.burjeelholdings.com. 

About BridgeBio Pharma, Inc.

BridgeBio Pharma Inc. (BridgeBio) is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded to discover, create, test and deliver transformative medicines to treat patients who suffer from genetic diseases and cancers with clear genetic drivers. BridgeBio’s pipeline of development programs ranges from early science to advanced clinical trials. BridgeBio was founded in 2015 and its team of experienced drug discoverers, developers, and innovators are committed to applying advances in genetic medicine to help patients as quickly as possible. For more information visit bridgebio.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Football keeps 11-year-old motivated after car accident left him with multiple fractures

Dubai: Young Khalifa Ali Salem Al Mansoori eats, breathes and sleeps football. But the 11-year-old Emirati had to do it from the confines of his bed after an accident fractured his spine and pelvis when he was a four-year-old.

Still the cheerful Emirati keeps his spirits high and is hopeful of kicking a football in the near future. He got a big boost when Chelsea legend and captain Cesar Azpilicueta visited him at the Paley Middle East Clinic at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi.

Favourite player

“Meeting Azpilicueta is a dream come true for me. I felt extremely happy to interact with Azpilicueta, who is a legend in the football world and my favourite player. I did not expect to get this opportunity, especially when I’m in the hospital after surgery. I congratulated him on the Spanish team’s win (Nations League). His kind words have given me a morale boost in my recovery journey,” said the excited 11-year-old.

Sustaining serious injury

“Azpi is special to me because I am a big fan. My physical condition had prevented me from watching him in action at the 2021 Fifa Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, but I am glad I got a chance to meet him in person.”

Khalifa had sustained serious injuries when he was hit by a car. In the accident, Khalifa’s spine and pelvis were fractured and his hip joint was damaged. At the Paley Middle East Clinic, he recently underwent a surgery to change the shape of his damaged hip joint and lengthen the femur. The Emirati boy is currently undergoing intensive physical therapy at the hospital to regain movement of his hip and knee.

Inspirational encounter

“I slept with the signed ball besides me last night. It is a special gift I will always cherish. I also sent a picture of us (Khalifa & Azpilicueta) together to all my school friends and family.” Khalifa added.

Azpilicueta, who is in the UAE with his family, learnt about Khalifa’s story through the hospital authorities and wanted to surprise him with a visit. The inspirational encounter filled the hospital corridors with smiles, laughter, and a renewed sense of hope for both the patient and his family.

“Our son met with an accident when he was four years old. It has not been an easy journey. The legendary footballer’s visit has made us very happy. It was great to see our son excited, happy, and forgetting all his pain,” his father Ali Salem Mubarak said. “Khalifa is still talking about the visit. He is on top of the world. Even now he is texting all his friends.”

Preventing dislocation

Khalifa has had multiple surgeries and the first process, at the time of injury, was to fix the pelvic fractures. In 2018, another surgery was performed to improve the shape of the hip socket to prevent dislocation.

The most recent operation involved breaking (or cutting) his left femur bone in two places and applying an external fixator to the femur. One bone cut to change the angle of the bone below his damaged hip joint and one to lengthen the femur as it is shorter than the left side.

Braving pain 

“He had told me when I first met him five years ago that he wanted his leg to get better so that he could play football. He loved watching football, especially his beloved Chelsea to keep him motivated as to what may be possible,” Dr. Michael Uglow, Director of Paley Middle East Clinic and Consultant Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery, Burjeel Medical City, said. “He is very brave, but has had some pain, which has slowed him down a little.”

The Spanish international spoke to Khalifa about his own injuries and how, through patience and rehabilitation, he recovered to pursue his sport.

“I am here after one year in the UAE, and happy to meet you, Khalifa. Stay brave and follow the instructions of your doctors. I want to watch you play football in the future,” Azpilicueta told the young fan.

Dr. Uglow is happy to see Khalifa improving all the time and has daily physiotherapy to work on getting his knee moving. Talking about the process to get Khalifa walking, femur is being lengthened by 1mm per day and the aim is to lengthen it to 5cm to match the right side.

Recovery journey

“He is attending the physio gym and is now walking with support. When he has lengthened enough, he will keep the external fixator on his leg until the bone has healed, which will be about another 3-4 months. He will keep going with physical therapy during this time and when it is removed he will be able to walk fully and build up his strength and return to activities including football, approximately 6-7 months after the surgery,” Dr. Uglow added.

“Football has been a great way to pass the time during my recovery journey. In the hospital, watching football is one of the ways I entertain myself and I get excited watching good matches,” Khalifa said.

“I like Chelsea because they play well. Watching these great players inspires me and I would love to be a football player when I grow up,” he added.

Read Full Story: GulfNews | khaleejtimes | gulftoday | thenationalnews

ABU DHABI: Surgeons in Abu Dhabi have operated on an unborn child with a spinal defect six months into the pregnancy, it was announced on Tuesday. The patient from Colombia underwent the rare spina bifida procedure at Burjeel Medical City’s Kypros Nicolaides Fetal Medicine and Therapy Center in Abu Dhabi. Spina bifida is a birth defect that occurs when bones forming the spine do not develop leading to the spinal cord being left exposed to the amniotic fluid resulting in a permanent disability. In the operation, which took place earlier in June, known as in-utero fetal surgery, a small incision was made on the uterus and the back of the baby is exposed to allow the neurosurgeon to close the spina bifida defect. The parents were referred to the Abu Dhabi center after doctors in Colombia told them their only other option was terminating the pregnancy.  A baby born with spina bifida is at risk of developing complications ranging from orthopedic to issues with bowel and bladder control, Dr. Mandeep Singh, consultant in maternal & fetal medicine at Burjeel Medical City, said. 

“We use a synthetic patch to cover the defect. The amniotic fluid is then instilled back into the cavity and the uterus is closed back up. The baby will remain in the womb for the remainder of the pregnancy and will be delivered by caesarean section at 37 weeks’ gestation,” said Dr Singh.

According to Singh, the procedure is not a cure, but will have an impact on the child’s life after birth. In cases where parents opt out of the surgery, the child will have difficulty walking and can even be wheelchair bound for the rest of their life. 

“In-utero repair of spina bifida reduces motor function loss of limbs and improves outcomes. After the delivery, the baby needs follow up and, in some cases, may need to undergo physiotherapy and all other medical assessments to ensure their well-being,” Singh said.

“We were shocked after our routine 20-week scan showed that our baby’s spinal cord was not forming correctly.”

It was not an easy decision to have the operation, said Liz Valentina Parra Rodriguez and Jason Mateo Moreno Gutierrez, who admitted to having considered all options available before committing to the surgery in Abu Dhabi.

“Our doctor suggested that our best course of action was to undergo spina bifida repair before the baby was born,” the Colombian couple who traveled to Abu Dhabi for the procedure explained.

The mother is stable and expected to deliver her baby in August.

Read Full Story: ArabNews | GulfNews | AlKhaleej | Abudhabi247 | CnewsLive | ManoramaOnline | EasternHerald | SouthLive | NewsDrum | Latestly | Devdiscourse | ThePrint | TheEditoreal | TimesofIndia-Indiatimes | TheNationalNews | AlBayan | Wam | HeadTopics | Al-Ain | Khaligyoun | DailyGulfNews | Alittihad | UrduPoint | ManoramaNews | KhaleejTimes

The ‘Dr. Najjar Neuroscience Institute’ will be headed by globally renowned Neurologist Dr. Souhel Najjar, who was featured in the best-selling novel and Netflix film “Brain on Fire”, to provide world-class specialized neurological care for people across the region.

Abu Dhabi, 09 June, 2023: As part of its ongoing efforts to bring complex care and to increase the flow of international patients to the UAE, Burjeel Holdings (“Burjeel” or “the Group”), one of the largest healthcare services providers in the MENA, has joined hands with Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York State, to launch a highly advanced Neuroscience Institute in Abu Dhabi. The Neuroscience Institute will be located at Burjeel Medical City (BMC), the flagship facility of Burjeel Holdings, and will provide state-of-the-art care for adult and pediatric patients with neurological disorders, including autoimmune brain disorders, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and movement disorders, pediatric neurology, and multiple sclerosis. The collaboration between Burjeel Holdings and Northwell Health will enable the transfer of knowledge and expertise between the two organizations to deliver the best possible patient care.

World-renowned Neurologist Dr. Souhel Najjar, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Neurology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and Executive Director and Senior Vice President of the Northwell Health Neurology Service Line, will head the Institute in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Souhel Najjar commented: “Northwell Health and Burjeel Holdings’ decision to build a neuroscience institute in the UAE demonstrates their synergistic culture of innovation and commitment to bring advanced, innovative, and compassionate neurological care to the UAE and the entire Middle East. On a personal level, I am proud of this relationship as it allows me to bring my Northwell Health family closer to the beloved UAE.”

Burjeel Holdings and Northwell Health formalized the establishment of the ‘Dr. Najjar Neuroscience Institute’ at a ceremony held in New York at the Northwell Health corporate headquarters in Manhattan. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman, Burjeel Holdings; Mr. John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel Holdings; and Dr. Mohan Chellappa, Non-Executive Director, Burjeel Holdings; Dr. Souhel Najjar, SVP and Executive Director, Neurology Service Line, Northwell Health; Michael Dowling, President and Chief Executive Officer, Northwell Health; Dinelia Ortiz, Vice President, Neurology Service Line, Northwell Health; Serena Najjar, Senior Project Manager, Neurology Global Patient Services, Northwell Health; Kevin Beiner, SVP and Regional Executive Director Western Region, Northwell Health.

Michael J. Dowling, President and CEO, Northwell Health, said: “This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to deliver world-class care to the communities of Abu Dhabi. Dr. Najjar has long been an example of clinical excellence for our health system and we are incredibly proud to see his team’s services offered across the globe.”

John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel Holdings, added: “The partnership is another important step in the Burjeel Holdings’ commitment to delivering unmatched healthcare excellence in the region and greatly improving patient outcomes. The collaboration with Northwell Health and Dr. Najjar aligns with the Group’s endeavors to provide complex care and access to the newest treatments and technologies for patients across the region.”

Northwell Health’s Neurology Service Line is a regional and international destination for neurological care, committed to improving patient outcomes and driving innovation. Patients from all over the world can receive premier treatments for a wide spectrum of neurological disorders from renowned experts in the field. Burjeel Medical City is a 400 bed leading quaternary care facility with cutting-edge medical technology and employing internationally recognized and published physicians. The Neuroscience Institute at the hospital will be supported by state-of-the-art medical technology and an international team of experts certified by top global medical boards.

About Northwell Health

Northwell Health is New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer, with 21 hospitals, about 900 outpatient facilities and more than 12,000 affiliated physicians. We care for over two million people annually in the New York metro area and beyond, thanks to philanthropic support from our communities. Our 84,000 employees – 18,900 nurses and 4,900 employed doctors, including members of Northwell Health Physician Partners – are working to change health care for the better. We’re making breakthroughs in medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. We’re training the next generation of medical professionals at the visionary Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies.

Contacts 

Abu Dhabi Pension Fund has partnered with Burjeel Holdings, a leading healthcare services provider in the MENA region, to offer support and high-level medical care to the retirees registered with the fund.

As part of the partnership, Burjeel Holdings will launch an innovative personalised health programme designed towards offering an age group-based approach to cater to the varying healthcare needs of Abu Dhabi Pension Fund members. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Khalaf Abdullah Rahma Al Hammadi, Director General of Pension Affairs at the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, and John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings. Burjeel will also appoint a dedicated Health Manager to cater to the needs of the fund’s members. The agreement seeks to enhance cooperation between the two parties in line with Burjeel Holdings’ mission to provide the highest levels of healthcare to the community and the fund’s desire to expand and provide social benefits for its pensioners. As part of the programme, the members can have easy access to personalised health assessments, privileged services, second opinions from world-class experts, coaching from certified health professionals, on-demand home care, monthly health screening programmes and a wide range of value added services to support their well-being. The healthcare provider will develop customised health management plan and launch experience centres for the members as part of the initiative. Pensioners and their families can avail of high-quality health services at Burjeel hospitals in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah. Apart from comprehensive medical examinations for the early detection of chronic diseases, they can avail of different treatments including physiotherapy and occupational therapy as well as medicine delivery services.

Pensioners and their families can also avail remote care services, which include virtual consultations, remote monitoring, medication management, health education and follow-up care. The beneficiaries can avail of priority medical services including booking appointments through an exclusive toll-free number 80078. Pensioners and those who are over the age of 55 will also be able to make use of the VIP service provided by the group in all its branches. The healthcare provider will also offer offline and online health classes, focusing on the quality of life, and mental and physical health.  

HE Khalaf Abdullah Rahma Al Hammadi, Director General of Pension Affairs at the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund, said: “The MoU is based on the desire of the fund to support and offer additional benefits to the pensioners. Through this collaboration, we will be able to provide access to high-level healthcare services, especially to retired senior citizens in line with their needs. We are pleased to collaborate with Burjeel, a brand that is renowned for its excellence in healthcare.”

John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, said: “We are proud to partner with the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund and look forward to welcoming pensioners and the beneficiaries to our hospital. Such collaborations underline our commitment to offering world-class healthcare services to the community. This partnership will also help us in our mission of increasing awareness through the prevention and early diagnosis of diseases.”

Read Full Story: MediaOfficeAbuDhabi | theprint | zawya | aninews | menafn | wam

A bold new partnership between Saïd Business School and one of the Middle East’s leading private healthcare service providers, Burjeel Holdings, will help tackle the climate crisis, it has been announced today.

The new collaboration will deliver a competition, known as the ‘Burjeel Holdings Oxford Said climate change challenge’, focused on raising awareness amongst high school students across the world of the risks of climate change, in the run up to COP28 later this year in the UAE. The winners of the challenge will be invited to Oxford Saïd to participate in a climate change programme in the spring of 2024.

The challenge will also extend to high school educators, who will be invited to submit lesson plans related to climate change. The winning submission will be recognised in the UAE and the educator will also be invited to Oxford Saïd.

A delegation from Burjeel Holdings visited the School on Monday to launch the partnership and work on details of the challenge, which will be announced in due course.

Soumitra Dutta, Peter Moores Dean at Oxford Saïd, said: ‘Climate change is the greatest and most complex threat to humanity, and today’s young students will be living with its impacts in ways we do not yet understand. That is why this partnership with Burjeel Holdings is both exciting and important. We look forward to working with them and are extremely grateful for their valuable support.’

The climate change challenge is supported by the world renowned Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Oxford Saïd, which equips entrepreneurial leaders at the University of Oxford, and worldwide, to tackle the climate crisis and other systemic challenges.

Commenting on the collaboration, Burjeel Holdings founder and chairperson Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, said: ‘We are pleased to collaborate with Oxford Saïd for the climate change initiative, a landmark project in the year of the COP28 climate summit in the UAE. As healthcare providers, we recognize the well-being of our communities is deeply intertwined with the health of our environment and that a collective global effort is crucial to confront the climate crisis. The challenge aims to nurture a generation of students and high school educators, so they can foster innovative solutions to ensure an equitable and sustainable future.

For anyone interested in more detail about the competition, ahead of an announcement later in the summer, please contact  climatechallenge@sbs.ox.ac.uk

Journalists seeking further information should contact Burjeel Holdings Communications Officer M Unnikrishnan at krish@burjeelholdings.com