ISSUE 30 | JAN 2021

UAE’S 1ST live Paediatric kidney transplant CONDUCTED IN DHCC CEO MESSEGE

Dear DHCC Community,

Last year was one of the most challenging years we have experienced, but it was also a year that highlighted the pivotal role of an advanced health sector and quality care.

In the words of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, “The coronavirus spread has shown that healthcare is the main power that shapes the economy and politics at a time when a disease brought nations to standstill.” This realisation brings a greater responsibility for those of us working in this field during these extra ordinary times, but it also brings immerse pride for each one of us. With agility, resilience, and responsiveness, we as a community were able to rise to this significant global challenge and came out stronger. I am thankful for each of you, your hard work and dedication make me proud.

With the new year, comes new hopes and I am confident that will continue to join hands to develop our city as a destination for innovative excellence contributing to the advancement of the UAE’s health sector.

Once again thank you for your hard work and looking forward to celebrating our upcoming accomplishments.

Yours sincerely, Jamal Abdul Salam CEO, Healthcare City Authority. Pritvik Sinhadc, 16, was admitted to AJCH in June of children in the UAE and beyond.” 2020 with complete kidney failure. After his father The surgery was funded by the Al Jalila Foundation’s Bhaskar was found to be a match, the transplant was A’awen treatment support program, which provides carried out by a specialty medical team from AJCH, financial medical assistance to UAE-based patients in Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and need who cannot afford quality healthcare. Health Sciences (MBRU) and Mediclinic Middle East. Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, CEO, Al Jalila Foundation, said: “Our top priority at Al Jalila Founda- Her Excellency Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice Chairperson of tion is to transform lives through medical innovation; the Board of Trustees, MBRU, said the University was and without investments in research advances in honoured to be part of the historic procedure in the life-changing healthcare are not possible. We are UAE. “Our mission at MBRU is to advance health in grateful to our partners and generous donors for the UAE and beyond, and this historic procedure is working with us to give children like Pritvik a chance to proof that we are on the right path. Our core values have a healthy, prosperous future. Pritvik is a bright of connectivity, giving and excellence came to the young boy with a full life ahead of him. We wish Pritvik fore through our connectivity with long-standing a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing what the partners, a commitment to medical excellence and future holds for him on a personal and academic front.” giving back to communities.” she said. The operation to remove the kidney from Bhaskar was Dr Abdulla Al Khayat, CEO, AJCH, said: “We are conducted by Dr Ramzi Ayache, nephrologist, Mediclin- proud of this joint achievement which has given ic City Hospital; while Dr Farhad Janahi, urologist, Pritvik a new lease of life. This pioneering surgery Mediclinic City Hospital and Dr Waldo Concepcion, puts us one step closer towards achieving our head, Al Jalila Children’s Organ Transplant Center, government’s vision of increasing access to quality executed the transplant successfully. transplant services and putting the UAE at the Matthew Dronsfield, Director, Mediclinic City Hospital, forefront of organ transplant regionally and globally. said: “We at Mediclinic Middle East are proud to be a Our dedicated team of experts in the newly part of the first successful living donor paediatric renal launched Al Jalila Children’s Organ Transplant Centre transplant. Pritvik’s father, Bhaskar Sinha, was operated is working day and night to provide children with on in Mediclinic City Hospital on the day of transplant acute and chronic kidney disease quality care in a and will continue to be closely monitored by the child-friendly environment, helping improve the lives transplant team.”

LIFE-SAVING TRANSPLANT PERFORMED ON YOUNG TEEN Public-private partnership successfully carries out UAE’s first live pediatric kidney transplant

A young teen’s life has been transformed after a life-saving kidney transplant was performed. A result of a public-private partnership between Al Jalila Children’s Hospital (AJCH), MBRU, Mediclinic Middle East and the Al Jalila Foundation, the operation constitutes the UAE’s first ever live pediatric kidney transplant.

03 DHCC PULSE DHCC PULSE 04 TOP EMIRATI HEALTHCARE CONTRIBUTORS TWO YOUNG PATIENTS RECEIVE GENE THERAPY HONORED AT AWARDS Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital introduces first spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) gene therapy

Two young patients of Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital along with other supporting departments will be providing a (AJCH) have successfully received the UAE’s first spinal 360-degree approach for this innovative treatment addressing muscular atrophy (SMA) gene therapy. AJCH – the UAE’s the root cause of the young girl’s disease; ultimately changing only pediatric specialist hospital – administered the first her life and giving her hope for the future.” treatment to a five-month-old baby girl suffering from SMA, which is a genetic disease caused by a mutation in the “The fact that the cost of the treatment was covered by an survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene that leads to insurance company highlights the integrated healthcare debilitating and often fatal muscle weakness. The treatment system that Dubai offers allowing increased access to quality known as Zolgensma (AVXS-101) has been approved by the specialized care”, Al-Awadhi added. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UAE health authorities. A genetic test diagnosed the baby girl’s condition within 48 hours at the Al Jalila Children’s Genomic Center. This test In another groundbreaking first for the UAE, the baby girl usually takes between two and four weeks if conducted received the full gene therapy service under one roof, from abroad. SMA is a genetic disease caused by a mutation in the clinical identification and genetic diagnosis, to the infused survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. The gene encodes the SMN1 gene therapy, follow-up, and management. survival motor neuron (SMN) protein – a protein found throughout the body, which is critical for the maintenance and Dr Mohammed Al-Awadhi, COO, AJCH, said: “We in AJCH function of specialized nerve cells, called motor neurons. are extremely proud that we are able to provide this gene Motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord control muscle therapy, an emerging revolutionary class of personalized movement throughout the body. If there is not enough treatments, where a defective gene – like the SMN1 gene in functional SMN protein, then the motor neurons die. SMA patients – is injected back to patients to restore the The second patient that was treated with the new gene gene and its biological function. For the first time in the therapy is Kareem [insert last name] who traveled from UAE, a patient will be receiving the full service of gene Lebanon to receive the treatment. therapy under one roof. Our Experts from AJCH’s Neurology Center of Excellence and the Genomics Center

Top Emirati healthcare contributors, entities supporting Emiratization as well as those supporting special needs integration were recently recognized at the Authority’s (DHCA) Excellence Awards in September 2020.

Now in its fourth edition, the Excellence Awards are held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman and CEO of Airline and Group, and Chairman of Dubai Airports. A total of 15 recipients were recognized for their work in two awards categories: the Excellence Awards and the Recognition Awards.

The Excellence Awards recognizes innovation in hospitals and clinics; quality compliance in outpatient clinics; and also includes individual awards for distinguished nurses, physicians and allied healthcare professionals. Meanwhile, the Recognition Awards recognizes the achievements made in Emiratization and the support of people of determination.

Two new categories were also added to the 2020 Awards: Best Supporting Entity for Emiratization Award and the Top Emirati Contributor Award. The latter was awarded two Emirati Physicians: Dr Anwar Sajwani, Consultant Ophthalmologist, and Dr Shaheena Dawood, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Mediclinic City Hospital. The Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) received the Best Supporting Entity for Emiratization Award.

05 DHCC PULSE DHCC PULSE 06 HH Sheikh Mohammed raises the flag from Moorfields Eye Hospitals UAE host its DHCC on the UAE flag Day 3rd Annual ‘A Year in Focus’ Conference

World-renowned eye specialists from focusing on recent innovations in across the globe recently took part in the ophthalmology, how to tackle eye diseases and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Moorfields Hospital virtual third annual degenerative conditions, and discussion panels Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of conference, entitled ‘UAE 2020 – A Year in on various eye conditions and procedures. the UAE and Ruler of Dubai raised the Focus. More than 35 speakers, eight UAE flag on the occasion of Flag Day, sessions and 12 CME points were featured, from Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). Hoisting the flag from the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Sheikh Mohammed dedicated the UAE’s seventh Flag Day to the tireless work carried out by the Emirates’ COVID-19 keyworkers.

UAE National Day

Team Halo UN campaign On the occasion of the 49th UAE National Day, we at Dubai Healthcare City renewed our commitment to developing the country’s Dr Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Director of the health & business sector. Genomics Center, AJCH and Associate The day was celebrated through creating a Professor of Genetics, Mohammed Bin video showcasing various business partners Rashid University of Medicine and Health representing a cross section of professionals Sciences, has joined Team Halo and top and businesses within the DHCC community. AJCH Joins UN scientists around to raise awareness of coronavirus. Under the COVID-19 hashtag #TeamHalo, the joint UN and Vaccine Confidence Project aims TikTok highlights the work of global scientists, who have been posting TikTok videos to Campaign show their efforts to curb the pandemic. Dr Ahmad has been identifying host genetic factors and RNA expression profiles that modulate the severity of COVID-19 cases in the UAE

07 DHCC PULSE DHCC PULSE 08 DHCC TRAILBLAZER Meet Dr Jeehan Abdul Qadir Executive Chairperson, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital (AACSH), Dubai Healthcare City.

I love everything about my job, as much as I love our great city of Dubai. My work as a Doctor in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgeries is very busy. However, despite the pressures of running a hospital and providing the best care for my patients, the pleasure from seeing the results of reconstructive operations that sometimes result from congenital problems in children, or injuries sustained in accidents, disasters or through burns, is insurmountable. My dream of building an integrated medical services hospital became reality when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). His wise vision served as inspiration to me, and I became one of the first strategic partner to open in DHCC in 2007. The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital was also the first hospital to gain international joint accreditation. It means a lot to me to be part of the DHCC community, with its forward-thinking policies that aim to achieve excellence and spark development. There is no doubt that 2020 was a turning point in human history. In my opinion, it is a year that has added a lot to us – and the most important thing to remember is that union is strength. By following the regulations, we can control the epidemic and become global healthcare and economic leaders.

09 DHCC PULSE DHCC PULSE 10 DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL

THE BEAUTY AND 21 DECEMBER - DERMATOLOGY SEASON 31 JANUARY H.H. Sheikh Mohammed launches UAE’s First Independent Biomedical Research Center

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed launches UAE’s First Independent Biomedical Research Center His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, recently inaugurated the Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute an initiative of Al Jalila Foundation: the UAE’s first independent biomedical research center. Set up with an initial investment of AED300 million, the Institute will conduct research into not only the COVID-19 virus but other serious viral diseases. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Everyone can access the Institute’s research. The new center is an important addition to the global network of research institutions. It is part of the UAE’s contribution to biomedical research in the world and its research findings will be shared with other centers.” “We need specialized centers to conduct research that caters to our environment and responds to the health challenges facing our region,” His Highness said on the new facility’s contribution to the global scientific research community. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Medical Research Institute is a state-of-the-art facility that will boost medical innovation, accelerate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for monitoring disease and develop proactive plans to contain outbreaks.

13 DHCC PULSE DHCC PULSE 14 IN FOCUS BEAUTY & THEMED BASED CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME beauty through various disciplines in the DERMATOLOGY fields of Cosmetology, Dermatology and Mental Health. We are proud to Dubai’s healthcare freezone Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) recently launched its ‘DHCC Theme-based Campaign SEASON HELD IN collaborate with the Dubai Shopping Program’ in line with Dubai Fitness Challenge 30X30 objectives. Aligned with the Dubai annual events calendar, the Festival to provide a health and wellness Campaign Program will comprise several seasons. Each of the seasons will run under a different theme, and will ASSOCIATION WITH pillar to the world’s biggest and longest include live events, promotions and services focusing on one of the specialties offered by institutions in DHCC. running retail festival.” Jamal Abdulsalam, CEO, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), said: “Over the years we at DHCC have worked DSF During the season, several initiatives towards advancing excellence in the healthcare delivery of the UAE. Today, during these exceptional times we are including live events and promotions for going through, working towards empowering members of the public to incorporate healthy habits in every aspect of From 21st December to 31st January 2021, fitness, wellness, and sports medicine their lives is of paramount importance. In this context, we are glad to launch the DHCC Theme-based Campaign DHCC held its ‘Unfiltered: Beauty & services were provided by DHCC Program with the objective of increasing access to quality healthcare services and information to help people of all Dermatology Season’, highlighting the facilities. abilities maintain a healthy lifestyle.” quality services offered by the freezone in Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals “The Program aims to become the health pillar of the emirate’s activity scene, helping cement DHCC’s position as a these specialities. Supported by the Dubai and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: destination for innovative excellence in healthcare and wellness,” Abdulsalam added. Shopping Festival (DSF) – now in its 26th “This event is a great showcase of the edition – the program included live events healthcare treatments and the and promotions for services in aesthetics, highly-trained professionals that are dermatology, mental health, plastic surgery, available to patients in Dubai and the DHCC ‘COMEBACK’ CAMPAIGN PROMOTES dentistry, wellness, nutrition, and important, global-leading fields they ophthalmology. The program also specialize in. By aligning the ‘DHCC HEALTHY LIFESTYLES introduced visitors to qualified healthcare ‘Unfiltered: Beauty & Dermatology professionals working in more than 50 Season’ with this latest edition of the specialized DHCC facilities. Dubai Shopping Festival, we are able to Jamal Abdulsalam, CEO, DHCA, said: “I am shine a global spotlight on the glad to announce yet another chapter of our wonderful variety of health, well-being Theme-based Campaign Program’, the and entertainment offerings available ‘DHCC ‘Unfiltered: Beauty & Dermatology for residents and visitors alike.” Season’, highlighting the different facets of

As part of the DHCC Theme-based Campaign all people. The Dubai Fitness Challenge is a platform Program, the ‘Ready for the Comeback: Fitness and which supports this ambition, celebrating a shared Sports Medicine Season’ was launched in October vision that better health is central to human happiness and highlighted the wide range of services available and well-being. We are excited to be driving forward in DHCC including pain medicine, physical therapy, DFC’s journey with its fourth edition this year, once massage therapy, orthopedic surgery, osteopathy, again reminding all residents and visitors about the neurosurgery, occupational therapy, chiropractic, benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle and of making emergency medicine, physical medicine and physical activities part of everyday lives. We look rehabilitation, kinesiology and nutrition. forward to working closely with all our partners across Commenting on the return of the Dubai Fitness the sector to create a more active and healthier Dubai Challenge 2020 – with which the Program is aligned and to truly uplift the health and wellbeing of patients, – Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail staff, and the wider community.” Establishment (DFRE), said: “Dubai’s healthcare The season concluded at the end of November 2020 sector, on par with the best in the world, has long with a total of 40 healthcare partners participating in been committed to delivering holistic health care for the campaign.

15 DHCC PULSE DHCC PULSE 16 As part of the DHCC Theme-based Campaign all people. The Dubai Fitness Challenge is a platform Program, the ‘Ready for the Comeback: Fitness and which supports this ambition, celebrating a shared Sports Medicine Season’ was launched in October vision that better health is central to human happiness and highlighted the wide range of services available and well-being. We are excited to be driving forward in DHCC including pain medicine, physical therapy, DFC’s journey with its fourth edition this year, once massage therapy, orthopedic surgery, osteopathy, again reminding all residents and visitors about the neurosurgery, occupational therapy, chiropractic, benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle and of making emergency medicine, physical medicine and physical activities part of everyday lives. We look rehabilitation, kinesiology and nutrition. forward to working closely with all our partners across Commenting on the return of the Dubai Fitness the sector to create a more active and healthier Dubai Challenge 2020 – with which the Program is aligned and to truly uplift the health and wellbeing of patients, – Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail staff, and the wider community.” Establishment (DFRE), said: “Dubai’s healthcare The season concluded at the end of November 2020 sector, on par with the best in the world, has long with a total of 40 healthcare partners participating in been committed to delivering holistic health care for the campaign.

CHANDRAN GURUKKAL AYURVEDIC CLINIC

BE A PART OF THE NEXT THEMED

FIRST IVF AND DAY ORGANON PHARMA SEASON! SURGERY CENTRE

PHARMACHOICE PHARMACY [email protected] OWNED BY DR SULAIMAN AL HABIB HOSPITAL ORGANON PHARMA

1 - 15 1-10 FEB MAR APR NEW

Knowledge and Kidney ASD Awareness Education Season Awareness Season Season PARTNERS

05 DHCC PULSE DHCC PULSE 18 Individuals in the second category include frontline workers in both the public and private sectors; while the third category to receive vaccination includes vital-sector workers. Finally, the rest of the public who wish to receive the vaccination will be able to as part of the fourth category. Senior citizen Ali Salem Al Aladidi, 84, was one of the first to receive the vaccine, followed by Shamaa Saif Rashid Alalili, 36, a Dubai Ambulance worker, Asha Susan Philip, 45, a DHA Nurse, Asif Khan Fazle Subhan, 37, an RTA COVID-19 VACCINE driver, and Adel Hassan Shukralla, 32, from Dubai Police. MoHAP has also launched a national campaign to encourage take-up of the vaccine – particularly from vulnerable members of society such as the chronically ill and elderly. The DHA has also emphasized that taking precautionary DRIVE ROLLED OUT measures and leading a healthy lifestyle is still vitally important, even after the vaccine has been administered. A total of seven DHA facilities offer the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine: Al Safa primary health care center, Zabeel primary health care center, Al Mizhar primary health care center, Nad Al Hamr primary health care center, Al Barsha primary IN THE UAE health care center, Uptown Mirdiff medical fitness center and Hatta Hospital. In addition, the DHA announced that PCR testing had increased to more than 80,000 tests per day. PCR stands for ‘polymerase chain reaction’ (sometimes known as Vaccines given to the elderly and vulnerable, ‘molecular photocopying) and is a fast, inexpensive technique used to test for COVID-19 via swabbing the essential frontline workers nose and throat. Dr. Amer Sharif, Vice Chancellor - MBRU and Head of COVID-19 Command and Control Centre

Dubai has successfully started the roll-out of its mass vaccination program, in the fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is providing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under registration by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).

In its first roll-out phase, the vaccine will be given to people in four main categories. The first category includes all elderly individuals over 60 years old as well as vulnerable people suffering with chronic diseases and people of determination.

Dr. Abdalla Al Khayat, CEO Al Jalila Children’s

To register and book a COVID-19 vaccination, UAE residents can use the DHA app or the DHA’s freephone number: 800 342.

Mediclinic City Hospital COVID-19 vaccination drive Dr Sulaiman Habib Hospital vaccination drive

19 DHCC PULSE DHCC PULSE 20 DHCA ACTIVITIES HIGHLIGHTS

DHCA rolls out Covid-19 vaccination for its staff

DHCC Themed Month City Briefing DHCC Stakeholders High tea Gathering

Israeli Medtech Delegation DHCC Fitness Challenge Corporate activiation