Chronic kidney disease patient grateful to donor’s family and UAE’s healthcare system

For four long years, he grappled with the trials of chronic kidney disease, undergoing dialysis twice a week and battling other disruptions to his daily life.

Today, Indian expat Srinivas Velagapudi, 57, is enjoying a new life, thanks to a kidney transplant that he recently received from a deceased expat who was declared brain dead.

A resident of Dubai for 13 years, Velapgapudi is now full of gratitude to the generous family of the donor for their noble gesture and the country’s healthcare system for making this life-saving procedure possible.

Speaking to Gulf News about his life-changing experience, Velagapudi recalled how the disease had taken a toll on the quality of his life with an exhausting series of medical appointments and dialysis sessions.

“I had diabetes-related kidney issues that progressed to chronic kidney disease (CKD),” said Velagapudi who works as a maintenance manager at a vegetable oil production company in Dubai.

CKD can range from a mild condition with no or few symptoms, to a very serious condition where the kidneys stop working, sometimes called kidney failure.

“Ever since I was diagnosed with the condition, I had to undergo dialysis. I faced fistula and problems accompanying the condition including blocking, heavy bleeding and cramps. Apart from the general weakness and nausea that accompany dialysis, I faced infections due to the catheter,” recounted Velagapudi.

Wait list

Doctors at Burjeel Medical City recommended a kidney transplant and added him to the wait list of the Emirates Organ Transplant Centre and the Ministry of Health and Prevention. Velagapudi’s journey to finding a compatible donor was a challenging one.

Despite his wife Sudha’s willingness to become a donor, she was not a match. This left him with no choice but to continue with dialysis and hope for a suitable donor kidney.

Noble gesture

The turning point came when a 50-year-old expat sustained severe head injuries and was admitted to Burjeel Medical City. He had brain stem dysfunction and was later declared brain dead by neurological criteria.

Burjeel Medical City is a part of the national organ donation committee’s deceased donor allocation pool.

“We approached Emirates Organ Transplant Centre about the potential brain-dead donor and the possibility of utilizing the deceased individual’s kidney for transplantation,” said Dr Venkat Sainaresh Vellanki, director – Transplant Nephrology.

“The Emirates Organ Transplant Centre team approached the family of the potential organ donor. In an act of profound generosity and nobility, the family consented to the organ donation, honoring their loved one’s memory and potentially granting a new lease on life to a patient in need,” he said.

The team got confirmation from the Emirates Organ Transplant Centre team to proceed with organ retrieval followed by a kidney transplant for Velagapudi.

Thanks to the selfless decision of the donor’s family, Velagapudi received a successful kidney transplant which was even covered by his insurance company.

Velagapudi is one of the lucky recipients of insurance coverage for organ transplant surgeries as in most cases, it is not covered. As Gulf News reported first on Tuesday, the UAE is now set to come up with a law that will make insurance coverage mandatory for all organ transplant recipients and living donors.

The surgical team

Velagapudi’s surgical team was led by Dr Rehan Saif, director of Transplant Surgery for Burjeel Abdominal Multi-Organ Transplant Programme, and comprised Dr Isthiaque Ahmed, Transplant Nephrologist, and Dr Ramamurthy Ganesan Baskaran, consultant Anesthesiology and Transplant Anesthesia.

“The patient had a good recovery period in our dedicated transplant ICU with top-notch medical and nursing care. He was under the constant monitoring of our transplant team and has been discharged after recovery,” said Dr Saif.

He said this is one of the early deceased donor transplantations performed at Burjeel Medical City since the hospital established a multi-organ transplant programme in 2022.

Words of gratitude

According to the medical team, Velagapudi does not require dialysis as of now and can lead a more active life.

“I am back to my normal life now. After my rest period, I have started working and driving. I go for walks also,” said Velagapudi.

Grateful

He expressed his deep gratitude for the UAE’s healthcare facilities and the incredible generosity of the donor’s family. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to receive this kidney transplant, which has given me a second chance at life. I am deeply grateful to the UAE for its world-class healthcare system and the selflessness of the donor’s family. They all are in our prayers and thoughts. Before this, it was like a tunnel without light but now after the transplant there is light and hope,” he said.

“After my experience and surgery, I urge and highly recommend all people who are healthy, whether young or old, to become organ donors as it can save a life and a family that is in distress,” he added.

The doctors said the successful kidney transplant underscores the UAE’s commitment to organ transplantation and saving lives. It showcases the importance of organ donation and the incredible impact it can have on the lives of individuals suffering from life-threatening conditions.

“One deceased donor can save up to eight lives by the process of organ donation. It saves thousands of lives every year. However, the shortage of donor organs is a major limiting factor. Burjeel Medical City has worked actively to promote awareness about this ‘gift of life’. We will continue to advocate organ donation and support the Hayat Organ Donation Programme and educate the community,” added Dr Saif.

Read Full Story: gulfnews

These babies were born at the stroke of midnight across the UAE as the country marked its National Day

While the UAE continues its humanitarian assistance to war-ravaged Gaza, here in Abu Dhabi, there has been a heartening development with a Palestinian couple becoming parents of a baby girl at the stroke of midnight marking the UAE Union Day.

At 12.01am, Palestinian expat couple Ashraf Khedr and Lmais Mohammed celebrated the birth of their fourth child at Burjeel Royal Hospital in Al Ain. And in a touching tribute, the proud parents named their newborn Emarat.

“Thank God for the safety of my wife and my daughter Emarat. We are incredibly happy to welcome our fourth child and have named her ‘Emarat’ on the occasion of UAE National Day. We named our second son Zayed in honour of the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed, may God have mercy on him. These names are our way of paying tribute to this wonderful country,” said the ecstatic Palestinians.

Dr Mohammad Subhi Al Saad, consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, delivered the baby girl weighing 2.900kg.

As the country gears up for a day of pride and celebration, baby Emarat is among the first few newborns at private hospitals in Abu Dhabi.

Read more: khaleejtimes

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, has visited Palestinian children and their families receiving medical treatment in UAE hospitals, as part of the continued humanitarian relief initiative supporting the Palestinian people. 

His Highness attended the bedside of injured children and adult family members, as well as child cancer patients from Palestine, who are receiving treatment in the UAE following directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to treat 1,000 Palestinian children at UAE healthcare facilities. 

His Highness spoke with the children and their families, and wished them a speedy recovery. 

• The leading healthcare providers in the UAE and Egypt have joined forces to extend emergency care for pediatric patients and facilitate their transfer to hospitals in Cairo and the UAE for advanced and complex medical support
• The entities are exploring the possibility of setting up a field hospital for onsite emergency care and definitive treatments for pediatric patients, upon obtaining relevant approvals

Cairo, Egypt/Abu Dhabi, UAE: Burjeel Holdings and Response Plus Holding (RPM) with support from Egypt’s Cleopatra Hospitals Group are collaborating to offer emergency and complex medical support to severely injured children transferred from Gaza. Entities are in talks with relevant authorities and the operations will commence upon obtaining approvals. Efforts are also underway by RPM to establish a field hospital, with up to 60 beds, at the Rafah border crossing to offer onsite emergency care, damage control procedures, and definitive treatments for pediatric patients.

Burjeel Holdings and RPM will facilitate the transportation of the children requiring secondary and tertiary care to hospitals in Cairo and Abu Dhabi, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care. Patients with advanced medical needs will be transported to Cairo. Meanwhile, those requiring comprehensive, high-end care for complex conditions, including orthopedic issues, pediatric and neonatal intensive care (PICU/NICU), surgical interventions, and plastic and reconstructive surgeries, will be admitted to Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Medical City, the largest private quaternary care hospital in the country with over 400 beds under the Burjeel Holdings umbrella.Additionally, counseling services will be provided to children and their families to support their mental health during this challenging time.

A specialized joint action committee comprising medical experts has been convened to spearhead and fast-track the project. Burjeel Holdings, one of the largest healthcare providers in the MENA region, and RPM, the UAE’s largest onsite healthcare and emergency medical services provider, have successfully collaborated with various governments to execute life-saving evacuation and medical missions in Yemen, Turkey, Syria, and provide emergency support to victims of crises and calamities. As Egypt’s leading private healthcare provider, Cleopatra Hospital’s pediatric department has a wealth of experience in providing immediate and advanced care to children in Greater Cairo, while Burjeel Medical City is fully equipped with pediatric subspecialties, capable of addressing severe injuries and facilitating long-term recovery and rehabilitation.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings and Chairman of RPM, commented, “Our collaboration with Cleopatra Hospitals Group is a testament to our shared commitment to serving communities in need. Cleopatra Hospital’s strategic location, coupled with its medical expertise, and our rich experience in managing similar projects, collectively ensures that the children will receive unparalleled care.”

Ahmed Badreldin, Chairman of Cleopatra Hospitals Group, said, “This timely collaboration is a reflection of the shared commitment between Burjeel Holdings and Cleopatra Hospitals Group to uphold our social responsibilities and deliver leading pediatric care to children in need. This initiative is an exemplary demonstration of the power of partnership in tackling critical healthcare challenges.”

Formalizing The Partnership

Burjeel Holdings and RPM signed an MoU with Cleopatra Hospitals Group on Saturday. The collaboration agreement was formalized in Cairo in the presence of Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Dr Ahmed Ezzeldin, CEO of Cleopatra Hospitals Group, Dr. Rohil Raghavan, CEO of RPM and other senior officials.  

[Ends]

For media inquiries:

M Unnikrishnan

Corporate Communications Officer

Burjeel Holdings

krish@burjeelholdings.com

+971-504275895

The hospital provides 360-degree solutions for heart disease

The cardiac department at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, is one of the leading centers in the UAE, providing top-notch care to cardiac patients across the region. Its extensive infrastructure includes state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology and the provision of advanced cardiac care services to diagnose, treat and manage heart disease.

Read Full story: gulfnews

During childhood cancer awareness month, Khaleej Times spoke to families of two brave cancer survivors

Faris Ahmed AlZeyoudi, a 14-year-old Emirati boy, has emerged victorious from the months-long fight against cancer. And he is now setting his sights on a new mission: becoming an army soldier to serve his beloved nation.

During childhood cancer awareness month, Khaleej Times spoke to families of two brave cancer survivors, whose remarkable recovery will not only inspire countless others facing similar challenges but serve as a reminder that with the right medical expertise, unwavering support, and courage, all obstacles can be overcome.

Read Full story: khaleejtimes

Its Paediatric Oncology Department offers multidisciplinary care for better outcomes

As we observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi takes centre stage for its Paediatric Oncology Department that provides comprehensive and compassionate healthcare services to children battling cancer and their families.

Burjeel Medical City, the regional hub for oncology and complex care, is a renowned name for offering multidisciplinary care to paediatric patients across the country and beyond. The Abu Dhabi hospital has a range of specialised paediatric departments that work in harmony to provide comprehensive care for children in need of treatment and support. The hospital’s Paediatric Oncology Department stands as a pillar of strength throughout the treatment journey for young patients diagnosed with various types of cancer.

Read Full story: Gulfnews

At the Second Emirates Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Congress, the Minister commended the efforts of medical experts in achieving the best possible patient outcomes.

Abu Dhabi: The UAE is committed to the promotion of excellent health and advanced medical practice, said His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Tolerance and Co-existence. He was inaugurating the second edition of the two-day Emirates Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Congress hosted by Burjeel Medical City in association with global partners and the MENA Conference, which began here on Saturday.

“With the strong leadership and support of His Highness the President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we are moving forward with ambitious plans to strengthen medical services available to children. Your initiative to establish a world-class Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Center is certainly an embodiment of those goals and aspirations. This Center will help to expand access to excellent child medical care, to promote high-quality services, and encourage partnerships with leading medical centers around the world,” the Minister, who is also the patron of the conference, said.

The theme of the congress is ‘International Get-Together of Pediatric BMT Physicians to Celebrate the Success of Saving Children Globally’. Delegates of the congress, attended by physicians from more than 23 countries, will provide valuable perspectives on the advancements, innovative techniques, and best practices in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) and Cell Therapy. The congress, which was launched after the first pediatric BMT in the UAE that took place in 2022, is being attended by 550 local and international delegates.

Supported by the UAE’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and inspired by the vision to turn Abu Dhabi into a life sciences hub, Burjeel Medical City set up a comprehensive bone marrow transplant center in 2022, where the first bone marrow transplant from a donor to a child took place. Since then, the flagship facility under Burjeel Holdings has performed 30 consecutive BMTs for children suffering from various blood disorders, including leukemia, with zero mortality. These procedures have benefitted children from India, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Morocco, Libya, Afghanistan, Algeria, Nigeria, and Sudan, cementing the UAE’s position as a global healthcare destination.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, said, “Under the guidance of the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the support of the authorities like the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, the number of pediatric BMTs performed in the UAE is increasing yearly, and children with cancers and other blood disorders have access to life-saving treatments in our own country. Encouraged by their support, we are investing heavily in the development of acute and complex pediatric services. This congress is an opportunity to reflect on the amazing work that is being done around the world and here in Abu Dhabi and will see experts from across disciplines come together to engage in an informative dialogue about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Dr. Zainul Aabideen, Consultant and Head of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and BMT and Conference Chair, said, “From pioneering the first allogeneic pediatric BMT in the UAE to performing life-saving transplants, we are dedicated to healing and supporting children with devastating diseases. We believe sharing our knowledge and experience with experts from around the world and gathering insights will help us advance pediatric transplantation care together. Our distinguished speakers will provide valuable perspectives on the advancements, innovative techniques, and best practices in Pediatric HSCT and Cell Therapy.”

Prof. Rupert Handgretinger, Consultant, Pediatric Hematology Oncology and BMT, and Conference Co-Chair, said, “It is our aim to create an environment that encourages active participation, engagement, and the sharing of expertise among all attendees. Let us collectively work towards improving child health in the UAE and the region.”

The two-day conference will conclude on Sunday.

The collaboration is aimed to strengthen the delivery of health services within government schools.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – October XX, 2023: The Emirates Health Services (EHS) and Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, Dubai, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster the delivery of health services within government schools. The entities’ joint efforts align with sustainable development goals in the field of public health and encompass strategic cooperation in several key areas such as developing a healthy environment in schools, enhancing students’ awareness through educational programs, improving counselling and therapeutic services, and expanding community partnerships.

The signing of the MoU took place in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohammad Salim Al Olama, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Health Services; H.E. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director General of the Emirates Health Services; and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings. The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. Essam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of Medical Services at Emirates Health Services, and Mr. Bruno Dsouza, Regional Chief Operating Officer for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Burjeel Holdings.

H.E. Dr. Al Olama emphasized that the MoU’s objective is to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the EHS and Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery in healthcare and continuous development. He further explained the EHS is committed to achieving shared goals through the exchange of knowledge and experiences, working towards improving medical services, boosting their quality, activating partnerships between the public and private sectors, and enhancing integration among various healthcare institutions. H.E. Dr. Al Olama expressed the institution’s keenness to expand cooperation through joint projects and programs that benefit the healthcare sector, thus contributing to the enhancement of healthcare tools and the quality of services provided to patients.

H.E. Dr. Al-Serkal elaborated that EHS, through this strategic partnership, is advancing its vision for the future of healthcare services. He pointed out that the MoU with Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery contributes to enhancing healthcare services, aligning with the strategic objectives of providing the best medical practices and standards while ensuring the sustainability of comprehensive healthcare development for the community. This is in accordance with the national vision ‘We are the Emirates 2031’ and the aspirations of the UAE Centennial 2071.

H.E. Dr. Al-Serkal stressed that the MoU represents a significant step towards improving and expanding the scope of healthcare services for the community at large, with a particular focus on school students. The cooperation and coordination between the two institutions create an opportunity for knowledge and expertise sharing, continuous improvement of health operations and advanced technology, and the fulfilment of the institution’s strategic objectives aimed at enhancing the quality of health in government schools and promoting health awareness among male and female students.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil highlighted that the MoU is a testament to the expertise of the Group, saying, “We are proud and honoured by this valuable partnership with EHS. This collaboration is a great opportunity for knowledge exchange between our two entities. We are focused on delivering the highest level of healthcare to beneficiaries and bringing about positive change in the lives of the people we serve.”

Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery is a specialty hospital under Burjeel Holdings, a leading healhtcare services provider in the region. The hospital has successfully performed over 500 surgeries for scoliosis correction and spinal deformities. It has also achieved a notable milestone by conducting an innovative vertebral body tethering surgery, becoming the first hospital in the MENA region to do so. Since 2022, the hospital has performed 10 such surgeries.

Dr. Shamsa Majid Lootah, Director of the Public Health Department at Emirates Health Services, reaffirmed that the MoU actively supports efforts to enhance the health and quality of life of students. This commitment entails implementing comprehensive school health programs tailored to meet the health, psychological, and preventive needs of students, aligning with the EHS’ public health program. The MoU encompasses various initiatives, such as early-stage scoliosis examinations, the provision of healthy foods for students with chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes, and the undertaking of studies and research projects aimed at strengthening the cooperative framework between the two entities.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 20 October 2023: In line with Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation efforts, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Burjeel Holdings, one of the leading private healthcare service providers in the MENA region, during GITEX Global Week 2023. The agreement seeks to leverage the latest breakthrough technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to enhance patient and healthcare outcomes specific to Emergency Departments (EDs).

The MoU was signed by Dr. Saleh Saif Al Ali, Executive Director of the Centre of Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), and Dr. Zuhair AlSharafi, Corporate Director of Emergency Services Line at Burjeel Holdings, In the presence of Dr. Aysha Ali Al Mahri, Deputy CEO at Burjeel Medical City.

Through this MoU, DoH and Burjeel Holdings will harness the potential of AI to revolutionize emergency department patient care through the deployment of advanced solutions that optimize resource allocation and improve operational efficiency. The partnership will magnify efforts to enhance the patient experience and safety while maintaining compliance with international legal and ethical standards. This aligns with the Department’s efforts to further invest in the healthcare sector’s digital infrastructure and ensure the population’s health and well-being through the delivery of comprehensive and timely healthcare services.

Dr. Saleh Saif Al Ali, Executive Director of the Centre of Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “Our partnership with Burjeel Holdings reflects

the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s (DoH) commitment to setting the stage for a future driven by healthcare technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence. As the healthcare sector’s regulator, this enables us to ensure its agility and the preparedness of the national healthcare system to respond to rising emergencies. This aligns with our continuous efforts and dedication to cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare.”

Leveraging both parties’ extensive expertise, DoH and Burjeel Holdings will exchange knowledge and expertise to facilitate the secure sharing of relevant healthcare data, subject to all applicable privacy and regulatory requirements, to enable the development and implementation of AI-based solutions within EDs. Furthermore, the partnership will witness the establishment of a framework to detect technological problems in advance and prevent errors by outlining decisions based on data and evidence.

Reinforcing the Emirate’s position as a destination for innovation in healthcare, the joint agreement with Burjeel Holdings represents a significant step forward where both parties will establish a data-driven culture within EDs by integrating AI solutions for data analytics, allowing healthcare providers to make more informed decisions, enhance clinical pathways, and continuously improve patient care protocols.

Dr.Zuhair AlSharafi ,Corporate Director Emergency Services Line at Burjeel Holdings said: “At Burjeel Holdings, we are proud to have signed a cooperation agreement with the Department of Health, the regulatory authority for the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, where Burjeel Holdings company is always working with the concerned health authorities in the country and side by side to develop and upgrade healthcare services provided to the community within international standards, and under this agreement we will be able to use artificial intelligence solutions and harness them in serving emergency patients and their safety and enhance their experience and make it more positive, such as reducing waiting times in emergency departments, helping specialists detect critical cases early, and determining the medical and pharmaceutical procedures due strictly follow and develop protocols for the care of emergency patients according to their condition, thus increasing the rate of patient satisfaction and making the services provided to them more efficient, and artificial intelligence systems greatly help emergency doctors to carry out their work professionally and smoothly”.