DM Healthcare to open third speciality hospital this year

By PMA RASHEED

27 Feb 2011, The Gulf Today

The DM Healthcare group, one of the region’s major healthcare service providers, will open a specialised surgery hospital in Dubai by the end of this year.

Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman of the DM Group, said that the group’s third hospital will specialising in advanced ortho, neuro and spinal surgical procedures will be first of its kind health facility in the UAE

“The Medcare Speciality Hospital, which is presently under construction close to the Sheikh Zayed road, will have innovative surgical specialities with a cluster of advanced operational theatres,” said Dr Moopen.

“The hospital will handle cases of hip or arthroscopic surgeries with the most advanced procedures that will enable patients to leave the hospital within one day,” he indicated.

Dr Moopen was speaking on the occasion of launching its new corporate headquarters in a strategic location in the heart of new Dubai on Thurday.

Indian ambassador to India M K Lokesh inaugurated the integrated corporate headquarters at Executive Towers on Business Bay near Burj Khalifa in the presence of Sanjay Verma, Consul General of India in Dubai.

“The new headquarters will consolidate all senior level non-medical professionals under one roof. Hundreds of healthcare establishments and facilities of the DM Healthcare service network will have a unified management and operational platform with the unveiling of the new strategic headquarters,” elaborated Dr Moopen.

He added that the DM Healthcare group is in the midst of expansion in the GCC and India with the number of units set to grow to 300 by the year 2015.

Currently, the network consists of 118 establishments, providing primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare with management and consultancy service. “The headquarters will function with seamless connectivity with its administration offices, hospitals, clinics diagnostic and pharmacy verticals which are recently consolidated under a single brand Aster,” noted Dr Moopen.

Speaking about the DM group’s expansion plans in other GCC countries, Dr Moopen said: “Our next major plan is happening in Saudi Arabia with a chain of projects for tens of health facilities, including hospitals, clinics and pharmacies under the ASTER and Medcare brands.”

“An estimated Dhs300 million will be invested in the KSA in the next three years, in partnership with local Rashid Al Rashid Group,” he added.

Tele-boost to healthcare

By PMA RASHEED 

2 Feb 2011, The Gulf Today

THE rapid growth in the information technology sphere and communication bandwidth has boosted an equally rapid development of clinical teleradiology in the UAE, according to a Dubai-based radiology expert.

Speaking to The Gulf Today, on the sidelines of the recently concluded Arab Health 2011, Dr Nawab Shafi ul Mulk, director of Global Hawk Telemedicine Services said that teleradiology exploits the latest of technological advancements by bringing radio diagnosis at the patients’ doorsteps.

Teleradiology is the future generation approach to medical information, allowing for transmission of patient radiological images (such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs). It enables people to get second opinions from specialists in different countries and allows for improved patient outcomes.
The telemedical treatments can radically improve the condition of chronically ill patients, as well as of those who suffer from lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiac disorders, explained Dr Mulk. The technology will provide them with quality of life and access to medical expertise round-the-clock from different parts of the world.

“The latest teleradiology technology makes patients’ medical data available anytime and anywhere in the world. Immediate online access to the patient’s radiological images and reports will make the service efficient and reduce delays in results,” he added.
Dr Mulk introduced teleradiology in the UAE for the first time a couple of years ago, through the channel of the USA Teleradiology Service Providers, networked with a comprehensive team of specialists and researchers worldwide.

The introduction of teleradiology advancements in the UAE’s healthcare sector facilitates early detection and treatment of diseases on a large scale, as clinics and hospitals can efficiently monitor the real-time status of examinations and results.
He said, “Patients in the UAE are provided with consultative radiological services with advanced medical imaging technology. Teleradiology is a compulsive modern tool for physicians to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment, as it can answer many needs within the medical community.”
“Improved quality of care, combined with rapid and accurate diagnosis at comparatively lower expense, is the advantage of the modern medical tool. It provides direct supervision of off-site imaging studies with reduced time spending for patients, facilitating them in maintaining improved their general health.”
“The telemedical services have been widely accepted in the USA, UK and many Western countries. In the UAE also, the number of patients depending on the medical service has been increasing since its inception,” he added.
“The global healthcare sphere faces a serious shortage of radiologists, as the imaging procedures are growing approximately by 15 per cent annually, against an increase of only two per cent in the population of radiologists. Teleradiology effectively contributes to resolve the healthcare industry’s crisis due to scarcity of experts,” Dr Mulk revealed.

He explained that as one of the benefits of the modern tool, teleradiology moves the patient’s information and not the patient. It has positive impacts on emergency neurosurgical care, by reducing the time for diagnosis and treatment of the patient, who needed to be transferred, by avoiding unnecessary transfers.
“In the event of medical emergencies or unexpected illnesses for people who are traveling by ship or have been moved far away from the land, the patient can seek medical aid of specialists from anywhere in the world through the telemedicine network,” he noted.
“The radiographic image files are electronically transmitted from one location to another through the teleradiology network. The technological advances in digital imaging, telecommunications, digital storage, and viewing technologies have made it readily available and reasonably affordable,” he said.
“Being able to review and interpret case studies without physical presence, teleradiology could increase efficiency of the procedures, simultaneously decreasing the chances of delay for completion of study. The report is archived in a comprehensive electronic medical record system,” Dr Mulk added.
According to him, wireless transmission portable viewers potentially improve the application of the procedures and accessibility to the teleradiology technology.
He said that the patients’ radiological images are stored in encrypted temporary storage on the Global Hawk Tele-radiology servers, making them available to the networked international sub-specialist radiologists, who review and provide highest quality specialty reports.
“In the orthopedic trauma application through the teleradiology, the consulting orthopedist at a remote location reviews the case to improve the diagnostic accuracy, and plans surgical procedures and outlays emergency departments of hospitals,” he pointed out.
According to him, the system improves the comfort level of the consulting orthopedic surgeons and limits the risk of litigation for incorrect diagnosis, having the radiographic images available on hand-held devices.
Dr Mulk is currently working on the launch of a mega project for a dozen super specialty centres, named as Global Hawk Imaging and Diagnostic Centres (GHIDC) across the region and other parts of the world.

“Eight centres will be opened in the next two years in the UAE, the KSA, Oman and Qatar. One centre will be set up in Malaysia and the other two are planned to establish in India’s Bangalore and Jaipur. The first imaging and diagnostic centre among the series will be operational soon in Jumeirah,” he said.

GHT eyes 12 diagnostic centres worth Dhs150 m

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 2 Nov 2010

DUBAI: Global Hawk Telemedicine (GHT), the healthcare arm of the UAE-based multinational conglomerate Mulk Holdings, has announced unveiling of 12 multi-speciality diagnostic and tele-imaging centres to be built at an estimated investment of Dhs150 million, across the GCC and other parts of the world.

The advanced tele-radiology and imaging services provider Global Hawk Telemedicine (GHT) awarded multiple contracts to global medical technology solutions providers Neusoft and Philips, according to the group’s officials.

Dr Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk, director of the GHT, “The project for the dozen super speciality centres, named as Global Hawk Imaging and Diagnostic Centres (GHIDC), is one of the largest expansion plans ever seen in the region’s healthcare scenario.”

“Out of the 12 state-of-the-art tele-imaging centres, each worth Dhs10 million, eight centres will be opened in the next two years in the UAE, the KSA, Oman and Qatar. One centre will be set up in Malaysia and the other two are planned to establish in IndiaÕs Bangalore and Jaipur,” he added.

According to him, the first imaging and diagnostic centre among the series is under construction and will be operational in Jumairah in January 2011. The group expects revenue worth Dhs400 million by 2012 from the Gulf and Indian markets.

“All the GHIDCs will be evolved on a concept of one-stop radiology service point with facilitated with the expertise of Western board radiologists and the GHT’s tele-radiology subspeciality consultations,” indicated Dr Mulk.

“The GHIDC in Dubai will be headed by Dr Torr Matson, renowned radiation consultant and author of numerous radiology and MRI books and consultant of Abu Dhabi royal family. Dr Mulk and Dr Yasmeen Ul Mulk, female Imaging expert and managing partner of the GHT will form the core team of radiology professionals,” he revealed.

“The world’s giant medical products supplier Neusoft and Philips will associate with the GHT for supply, installation and maintenance of a sophisticated range of radiology and imaging systems at the centres across the globe,” he said.

“The systems include the latest device CT-PET, MRI, Mammography, Bond-Densito Metre, 4D Ultrasound and X-Ray imaging machines. The CT-PET system, branded after the GHT, will be the first one introduced by a diagnostic centre in the UAE,” he elaborated.

Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Mulk Holdings, said, “The group plans to target the ever-growing global demand for economical and quality medical products with initial focus on the Middle East and Indian markets and expand later into the stronghold of Mulk Holding’s worldwide territories.”

“Our purpose is to emerge as a major healthcare player in the region by 2015. All the healthcare programmes are patroned by Dr Sheikh Majid Saeed Rashid Al Noaimi, Director General of Ajman Ruler Office, and Business Partner of Global Hawk Imaging and Diagnostics and Mulk Holdings,” he added.

“The latest mammography unit at the GHIDCs will be facilitating early detection and treatment for the alarming cases of breast cancer in the UAE,” said Dr Yasmeen.

“Global standard services for various undetected female malignancy cases will be available at the centres,” she added.

After the contract signing ceremony, the Middle East Regional Sales Director of Neusoft Mohamed ElGabry said, “All the imaging systems of international specifications are certified by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and the CE-European agencies.”

“The Mulk-branded products are being manufactured using the latest American healthcare software and technology,” said Aili Diao, Neusoft’s Middle East General Manager.

V Kalyana Sundaram, Regional Sales Manager of Atlas Philips, said, “There is a vibrant global requirement for quality radiology imaging products at reasonable investment, and the demand is expected to increase at 240 per cent by 2015.”

Jacob Tharakan, CEO of Atlas Healthcare, said, “The GHIDCs will also showcase the GHT’s world-class radiology imaging devices, manufactured by Neusoft and Atlas Philips. The concept will help all the associates to penetrate the regional market rapidly.”

“A range of new Mulk-branded home care products also will be launched by the end of this year, introducing international specialty healthcare in the doorsteps of every home in UAE and India,” announced Dr Mulk.

“The first prototypes will be released in Arab Health 2011, as the products range is aimed at facilitating the patients with direct link to hospital and clinics, insurance providers and foreign consultations at the convenience of their residences,” he elaborated.

MoH announces international doctors’ visit

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 27 Aug 2010

A GROUP of international specialist doctors will visit various hospitals under the Ministry of Health (MoH) to conduct a variety of practical and academic programmes such as regular check-ups, consultations, seminars and practical sessions.

Beginning from the month of October, the programme will run until the end of the year, according to senior official at the ministry.

Nasser Khelifa Al Bodoor, director of external relations at the MoH and supervisor of the Visiting Doctors Programme, said that the past editions of the international experts visit contributed to the strategies of the ministry towards experiencing a global exposure of medical knowledge.

“The visiting doctors’ programme will facilitate the development of the capabilities and skills of the professionals under the MoH,” he added.

“The schedule of the doctors has been designed in coordination with the hospitals in different medical districts, to examine the critical cases that require specialised treatments which are presently not available in the hospitals,” noted Al Bodoor.

“At Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, Dr Sprague Eustis, ophthalmic specialist from Ochsner Clinic in the US, and Dr Christopher Edwards, rheumatologist at London Bridge Hospital, will do consultations from Oct.9 to15. Dr Robert Hill, pediatric orthopaedist will be in the hospital from Oct.30 to Nov.5,” he elaborated.

During November, the MoH will also receive six doctors beginning with a visit of Dr Charles Faiman, endocrinologist and diabetes specialist in Cleveland Hospital, at Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Ajman from Nov. 6-12. At the same time, Professor Wolfgang Arnold, ENT surgeon in Munich University Hospital, will visit the same hospital. Dr. Christopher Anderson, a urologist in London Bridge Hospital, will visit Saqr Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah from Nov. 20-26.

“From Nov.13 to 19, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Ajman will receive Dr Yasser Abou Rayyah, pediatric ophthalmologist in Moorfield Eye Hospital; Dr Philip Wicart, pediatric orthopaedist in Saint Vincent De-Paul Hospital, from Nov.20 to 26; and Dr James Pattison, nephrologist in London Bridge Hospital, from Nov.20 to 26 in Saqr Hospital at Ras Al Khaimah,” he added.

“By the end of the year, professor Mohammad Ghunnaim, urologist and kidney surgeon of Al Mansoora University Hospital, will visit Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Ajman between Dec.11 and 17,” said Al Budoor.

Choices we make define our health

BY PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 26 Aug 2010

A nationwide awareness on lifestyle diseases and methods to control must be the top priority for healthcare planners, observed a panel of healthcare industry chiefs in light of a study carried out by Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

The DHA’s household health survey had unveiled alarming statistics on the present health conditions of the residents. The study gave insights into the catastrophic height of challenges currently faced by the people.

Among the adults in the emirate, 10 per cent are diabetic, with a prevalence rate at 16 per cent among citizens, and 8 per cent among expatriate communities, with a huge variation among the diabetics of different age groups.

A total of 8.1 per cent adults living in Dubai suffer from high blood pressure, which is more than eight times more common in nationals than among expatriates.

The prevalence of hypertension among citizens is at 22.26 per cent, while it is at 2.75 per cent among the expats.

About 13 per cent of the expat community in Dubai is in the clutches of a smoking habit, while only 8.62 per cent of the Emiratis smoke.

And when it comes to passive smoking, 15 per cent of the total population suffers from the danger that affects 16 per cent of the expats and 11.44 per cent of the Emiratis. People between 18 and 39 years are the highest smokers group.

A healthcare expert opined that the risk groups of lifestyle diseases must be identified and adequate measures should be implemented to tackle their health issues. Provision of early treatment must be undertaken.

Regarding the reasons of the various lifestyle diseases which are currently plaguing the country, Gulf Medical University and Hospital’s chief Thumbay Moideen said that the risks are not due to the migration trend continuing in the country. “The diseases arise out of incorrect nutrition, lack of physical activity and stress related factors,” he noted.

“Diabetes and hypertension develop due to the increasing affluence seen in the current society and compounded by improper nutrition and lack of physical activity,” pointed out Moideen.

Dr KP Hussain, managing director and CEO of Fathima Healthcare Group, said that most of the general public lack knowledge to lead a healthy lifestyle. The situation worsens with the social environment, which is related to work pressures and its associated risk factors and to the living conditions.

“Hypertension is the second common lifestyle disease in the UAE. Most of the high blood pressure sufferers in the country go undiagnosed, leading to serious complications in their conditions. So, the public should be conscious on how to achieve good health,” he added.

He said that the expatriates in the UAE staying away from their families back home are suffering from damages to their psychological and physical health.

According to Dr Nawab Shafi ul Mulk, chief of Global Hawk Telemedicine Services in Dubai, the ever-continuing migration trend is one of the reasons for increasing some lifestyle diseases.

“The South Asian immigrants are also having high prevalence rates of diabetes, due to their sedentary lifestyle, improper diet or unhealthy meal choice. Diabetes has emerged as the fifth leading cause of deaths among Asians and Americans,” he elaborated.

Dr Mulk observed that most of the smokers fail in their efforts to escape from the world of cigars, even if they really wish to quit the habit. “They should be provided with appropriate assistance, tools and education to support long-term smoking cessation,” he pointed out.

He also warned that chronic illnesses like lung cancer can take alarming proportions in future, as more young people and expatriates resort to smoking to alleviate their stress level.

Dr Azad Moopen, chairman of DM Healthcare Group, a chain of private healthcare facilities in the region, observed that lifestyle diseases, diabetes and hypertension in their severe conditions are more common among locals than expatriates. “It’s not because of hereditary or geographical factors as many used to attribute,” he said.

“Most of the expatriates working in the UAE are aged between 25 and 55 years. As the number of older members is very less among the population, the serious impact of lifestyle diseases among the expats is also very less,” pointed out Dr Moopen.

“Meanwhile,” he attributed the reason to higher prevalence of a smoking habit among the expats “to their higher levels of tension and pressures for survival in a foreign country, as well as the feeling of alienation.”

“The expatriates also prefer to continue the food habits of their home countries in the Gulf, which has its own styles and culinary habits matching the particular climatic conditions and geographical specialities. This also increases the chances of falling prey to numerous illnesses,” said Dr Moopen.

He called for organising integrated detection drives at labour camps, and bachelor accommodations, focusing on the areas where the lower-income strata are active.

(Photo used for illustrative purpose)

Dubai Airport medical centre treats 30,000 cases per year

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 17 AUg 2010

THE medical centre at Dubai International Airport carries out more than 30,000 consultations per year, according to a senior official.

Dr Amer Al Zarooni, director of Airport Medical Centre, said that an average of 2,500 references have been received at the centre each month.

“The centre covers health treatments of people in the airport’s arrival and departure sections, cargo village, engineering department, office of the civil aviation authority, fire station, runways and construction areas,” he added.

“The services of the centre for the travelers and employees at the airport have included cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary treatment and transfer of emergency cases to various hospitals for providing them medical and ambulatory care services,” Dr Al Zarooni pointed out.

He said, “More than 70 doctors and nurses equipped with the latest medical devices are present in buildings I and III of the Dubai International Airport.”

“The centre provides with vaccines for travelers and employees, monitors medical fitness of the airline staff and issues fitness certificates to them, as well as helps patient travelers to board and disembark from the plane by stretchers or wheelchairs,” he explained.

According to him, the centre is fully equipped to deal with any medical emergencies and has a rapid response plan to tackle emergency medical situations such as patients suffering from cardiac arrests, airplane accidents, etc.

The airport medical centre also organises health awareness campaigns for employees and passengers to prevent themselves from various diseases and infections. It also provides medical care to pilgrims during the Hajj season.

The medical requirements of public activities including air-show are also met at the centre,” he noted.

A high-ranking delegation from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) had visited the airport clinic recently to inspect the facilities and services that the centre is providing particularly since Dubai Airport remains to be one of the busiest airports in the world.

Healthcare for low-pay group

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 19 Aug 2010

A recent study by the Dubai Health Authority disclosed that 75 per cent of the low-income expatriates in Dubai lacked coverage of health insurance.

Almost three-quarters of Asian and Arab expats living in the emirate suffer due to the non-coverage of health insurance schemes, revealed the Dubai Household Health Survey.

A panel of healthcare industry leaders based in Dubai discusses the shocking observation of the survey that many expatriates do not seek treatment on time and neglect their conditions due to the higher healthcare costs.

They criticised the negative attitude of many establishments on provision of health coverage to employees and their families, even though the health insurance schemes are much cheaper than in the US or Europe.

“The economic reality of the employees should be considered by the employer and the government,” the experts opined.

A huge disparity is obvious between the low and high-income groups in enjoying the benefits of quality and transparent healthcare services in Dubai.

“The question of unaffordability of healthcare by people in the lower socio-economic strata has to be answered by refining the general assumption on healthcare provision to different brackets of the people,” said Dr Azad Moopen, chairman of DM Healthcare in Dubai.

“The discrimination is, basically, not because of the unavailability of the healthcare. It turned out like this due to the ignorance of corporate groups or companies on the wellness of their workers,” he pointed out.

The emirate of Abu Dhabi has a mandatory health insurance programme for all companies’ employees and their families.

Dr Nawab Shafi ul Mulk, chief of Global Hawk Telemedicine Services in Dubai, pointed out that Dubai has yet to enforce the laws that make it compulsory for all workers to have a health cover.

“The emirate had planned to introduce universal health coverage in January 2009, requiring every employer to pay a set fee to the government for each employee,” he said.

“This money would have been used to provide employees with ‘free access to basic health care.’ However, this scheme has yet to be introduced.”

Thumbay Moideen, founder president of Gulf Medical University and Hospital, the first private teaching hospital in the UAE, said that the healthcare sector required a massive change in the outlook of planning to cater to the needs of the low-income groups.

“All the hospitals and clinics should subsidise the prices to cater to the masses. The healthcare service providers play a major role in alleviating the worries faced by the low-income group,” he added.

Dr KP Hussain, Managing Director and CEO of Fathima Healthcare Group, pointed out that most of the corporate groups in Dubai provide medical insurance to only employees in the managerial level.

“Less-paid staff members are not given any support by the employers, while budgeting plans of corporate firms allot annual insurance premium of Dhs2,000 to Dhs3,000 per staff in the managerial level,” he said.

Dr Moopen pointed out that it’s the responsibility of the employer to cover decent basic healthcare, except luxury treatments like cosmetic procedures.

“Each employer already has to invest around Dhs10,000 on each employee’s visa costs. Adding an additional Dhs1,000 on their insurance coverage is not a big deal at all,” he noted.

According to him, a statutory requirement should be enforced on employers on providing workers with the health insurance coverage.

Dr Mulk suggested introduction of models for social health insurance coverage programmes, funded by both the government and the employers. “Such programmes can ensure privileges of all sorts of basic health treatments to the people from the low-income bracket and their dependants,” he added.

“The laws should come into effect as soon as possible as it will facilitate the suffering people as the medical costs are higher,” he said.

Dr Hussain elaborated, “Ten years before, many insurance companies were providing medical services to corporate establishments with high premium for their white collar employees. And blue collar workers were neglected due to the high cost of premium which the establishments had to pay. Hence, the lower and middle income group could not get medical coverage.”

“Many people of lower income earners were suffering from chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiac disorders. For treating the diseases they needed a minimum Dhs400 to 500 per month,” added the medical insurance expert.

“This scenario gave birth to the concept of providing cost-effective and comprehensive medical services for the lower and middle income groups, so they could avail the services throughout the year by paying a small premium to the insurance companies,” he noted.

Masafi Hospital set to launch 2nd phase

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 18 Aug 2010

THE recently opened Masafi Hospital will soon launch its second phase of functioning by introducing more services for in-patients and adding various departments to the hospital, a senior health official said. The hospital currently has operations for out-patients only.

Dr Mohammed Abdulla Saeed, director of Fujairah Medical District, said that the number of outpatients who visited the hospital since its opening in July has reached 546. “The hospital has received 482 patients in the general section, 20 people sought treatment at orthopaedics department and 44 patients visited the hospital’s ENT section,” he added. “The second phase of enhancing services at the hospital includes emergency unit, internal medicine, ophthalmology, gynaecology, surgery, paediatrics and physical therapy section,” Dr Saeed pointed out.

“A number of specialist doctors, including a general practitioner, ENT specialist, gynaecologist, dentist, paediatrician, internal medicine specialist and three orthopaedic specialists along with 15 nurses, and 10 x-ray and laboratory technicians have also been appointed at the hospital,” he elaborated.

UAE ranks 11th on world medical tourism map

BY PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 30 July 2010

The UAE appears at the eleventh position among the countries identified with medical tourism, reveals a survey.

Meanwhile, about 94 per cent of medical tourism specialists in the country believe that they have yet to reach its full potential, said the survey carried out by a healthcare travel consultant in Dubai.

Architect of the survey and Chief of ExHealth Dr Prem Jagyasi said, "India has been ranked as the number one popular destination, as of the 35 countries identified in the survey as being significant healthcare tourism providers."

"Thailand and Singapore have been respectively positioned at second and third places, while the US had a surprise ranking at number four and the UAE came in at number 11," he pointed out.

According to him, the report shows that confusion, lack of information and fear about complications following surgery are the main reasons for patient reluctance to cross international borders for health services.

"Education is a vital component to facilitate medical tourism to reach its potential. People's fears on foreign treatments should be allayed, and potential health tourists should be guided with information and advice on visa and travel issues," elaborated Dr Jagyasi.

According to the survey, the Asian and Far Eastern countries are well-established medical tourism destinations, so the top three placings were expected.

"The US came in at number four, which wasn't anticipated. It could mean that there are as yet untapped opportunities for facilitators looking to incorporate this potentially lucrative market in their service provision," it detailed.

"The purpose of the health tourism survey was to gain valuable insights into aspects of medical tourism from professionals involved in the sector," noted Dr Jagyasi.

"About 95 per cent of the respondents to the survey identified themselves as being either directly or indirectly involved with healthcare travel in the scope of their work," he added.

According to him, the information gathered from them revealed facts concerning terms, trends, status, opportunities and challenges.

Dr Jagyasi said that the knowledge gleaned from the survey will be used to promote the healthcare sector and provide significant content for a soon-to-be published guidebook for consumers who are considering undertaking treatment abroad.

"When asked about the reluctance of patients to participate in healthcare tourism, the respondents expressed concerns about complications and confusion over available services," he explained.

(Images used for illustrative purpose)

Flashing the ‘Hollywood smile’

By PMA RASHEED 

The Gulf Today, 27 July 2010

MANY are envious of charming smiles that blossom on the movie and TV screens or on the cover of a glossy magazine.

People wonder how is it that Hollywood stars and models possess the perfect smile that a regular person may lack.
According to a dentistry expert, all the amazing smiles that steal your heart may not be gifted by birth. Talented cosmetic dentists design the stunning smiles just for the Hollywood stars.
The treatment for the celebrity smile has now reached Ajman, as the UAE’s first private teaching hospital, the Gulf Medical College (GMC) Hospital and Research Centre, has unveiled a super specialty dental centre at its premises on Sunday.
“Apart from the beauty elevation, the treatment is meant for a fully functional and comfortable set of teeth adorned in your mouth,” said Dr Sameer Kumar, associate director of GMC Super Specialty Dental Centre.
Smile for all
“Anybody can enjoy a dazzling Hollywood smile with the help of cosmetic dentists and porcelain veneers. It’s simply the perfect union of the teeth’s form, position, proportion, alignment and colour,” he added.
“‘Hollywood smiles’ are achieved by using a combination of all or some of the following: Tooth whitening, crowns, veneers, and orthodontics. To create a Hollywood smile, we apply a combination of dental treatments such as tooth whitening, crowns, veneers, and orthodontics,” elaborated Dr Sameer.
“The beautiful smiles are within the reach of modern dentistry,” remarked B Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen, chairman of BA Group in India and patron of the GMC healthcare facilities.
While inaugurating the modern dental care facility, he added, “We introduce the advanced medical treatment to create beautiful smiles on the face of the residents in the Northern Emirates of the UAE.”
Sydney B Chikoti, CEO of Medical Aid Society of Malawi in Africa, was the chief guest at the centre’s inaugural ceremony.
Dental specialties
Thumbay Moideen, president of Thumbay Group and the GMC Hospital Group, said, “The state-of-the-art dental facility will provide all dental modalities as well as diverse dental specialities under one roof.”
“With the addition of this new dental centre, the GMC Hospital hopes that the patients will have even greater access to first-grade health care and dentistry right next door,” he added.
Akbar Moideen Thumbay, director of the GMC Hospital, said that the super speciality dental centre is supported by the College of Dentistry of Gulf Medical College University.
“Apart from the Hollywood smile treatment, other services focused at the centre include child dentistry, cosmetic facial surgery, Periodontal splint, Orthodontic Braces, oral surgery and general dental treatment and therapies,” he explained.
“The centre will focus on dental tourism, especially for patients from Africa, East Europe, the UK and the US,” said Akbar.
(Image used for illustrative purpose) 

Close eye on alternative medicine practice boosts patient confidence

BY PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 1 May 2010

Around 50 per cent of the UAE residents prefer to experience the healing power of treatments that employ alternative medicine, according to a senior health official.

Dr Ayesha Abdullah, Managing Director of Sciences Cluster and Executive Director for Dubai Heathcare City (DHCC), said that strict verification procedures has been implemented by the authorities before licensing Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) services.

She was speaking to The Gulf Today on the sidelines of the launch of Royal Ayurveda Clinic, the first full range Ayurvedic healthcare establishment at the DHCC on Thursday.

"The DHCC provides CAM treatments in 12 areas, including homeopathy, Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, osteopathy, therapeutic massage, naturopathy, guided imagery, Thai Chi, Pilates, Chiropractic and Yoga," she added.

"Patients can have the confidence that these practices are regulated by a strict governance structure and the DHCC is the first healthcare institution outside the USA to implement the CAM codes using ABC Coding Solutions," explained Dr Ayesha.

She said that the DHCC will further develop its base of integrated medicine services as a response to global trends that reflects the growing popularity of alternative medicine and traditional practices. Dr Abdul Kareem, Vice-President of the Centre for Healthcare Planning and Quality (CPQ) at the DHCC, said the CAM is a diverse group of medical and healthcare therapies and systems that may be separate from or integrated with conventional medical therapies.

"A common factor shared with all CAM therapies is a holistic and individualistic approach to health and healing, and an appreciation of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions of the human being," he added.

"The medications used for alternative and traditional treatments are strictly examined as per the health ministry conditions, in order to ensure that they match evidence-based practice measures," noted Dr Kareem.

"Such CAM centres operating inside the DHCC premises are also covered by health insurance policies," he added.

Dr Palitha Serasinghe, Consultant Ayurvedic Medical Practitioner, Director and Clinic Manager of Royal Ayurvedic Centre, said, "The Rasayana Treatment (Ayurvedic anti-aging) approach is adopted at the centre to enhance the human body's healing power and immunity."

Masao Tsuji, Managing Director of Royal Ayurveda Anti-Ageing Clinic, said: "The DHCC offers us the perfect platform to reach out to a wider clientele and helps position us in the premier league of Ayurveda providers in the region."

Tele-medical care adds value to health sector

BY PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 7 March 2010

FROM a minor leg fracture or osteochondral defect to malignant liver cancer or a rare retinal disease, the diagnosis is depicted in seconds from the world's super-speciality facilities, but without the patient's physical presence.

The latest tele-radiology technology makes patients' medical data available anytime and anywhere in the world. Immediate online access to the patient's radiological images and reports will make the service efficient and reduce delays in results.

A specialist radiologist based in Dubai says that tele-radiology moves the patient's information and not the patient. It has positive impacts on emergency neurosurgical care, by reducing the time to correct diagnosis and treatment of the patient, who needed to be transferred, by avoiding unnecessary transfers.

In the events of medical emergencies or unexpected illnesses happening to a person while traveling by a ship that has moved far away from the land, the patient can seek medical aid of specialists from anywhere in the world through the tele-medicine network, according to Dr Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk, director of Global Hawk Telemedicine Services, Dubai.

"The radiographic image files are electronically transmitted from one location to another through the tele-radiology network. The technological advances in digital imaging, telecommunications, digital storage, and viewing technologies have made it readily available and reasonably affordable," he said.

"The tele-medical treatments can radically improve chronically ill patients, as well as people who suffer from lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiac disorders. The technology will provide them with quality life, with access to effective medical expertise round-the-clock from different parts of the world," he added.

Dr Mulk introduced the med-technology in Dubai last year, in tandem with the USA Tele-Radiology Service Providers, networked with a comprehensive team of specialists and researchers worldwide.

According to him, the tele-medical services have been widely accepted in the USA, UK and many Western countries. In the UAE also, the number of patients depending on the medical service has been increasing since its inception.

"Patients in the UAE are provided with consultative radiological services with an advanced medical imaging technology. Tele-radiology is a compulsive modern tool for the physicians to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment, as it can answer many needs within the medical community," he explained.

"Improved quality of care, combined with rapid and accurate diagnosis at comparatively lower expense, is the advantage of the modern medical tool," said Dr Mulk. "It provides direct supervision of off-site imaging studies with reduced time spending for patients, facilitating them maintain improved general health condition."

"The distance between patients and experts is abridged with the provision of consultations of specialists and sub-specialists to the needy across the globe. In contrast to analogue radiographs that can only be monitored in one location at a time, the tele-radiology materialise the mobility of digital images. So different experts based in different locations can view digital images simultaneously in the course of the treatment," he noted.

"As all healthcare providers are not facilitated with multiple full-time radiology systems and resources, the service of qualified sub-specialist radiologists from across the globe could be accessed through the tele-radiology network during regular hours, after-hours and holidays," said Dr Mulk. "The results are transferred with normal or emergency scheduling at any time, providing flexibility options to hospitals and other medical facilities."

He said that the patient radiological images are stored in encrypted temporary storage on the Global Hawk Tele-radiology servers, making them available to the networked international sub-specialist radiologists, who review and provide highest quality speciality reports.

"In the orthopedic trauma application through the tele-radiology, the consulting orthopedist at a remote location reviews the case to improve the diagnostic accuracy, and plans surgical procedures and outlays emergency departments of hospitals," he pointed out.

According to him, the system improves the comfort level of the consulting orthopedic surgeons and limits the risk of litigation for incorrect diagnosis, having the radiographic images available on hand-held devices.

"A tele-medicine box including digitalised stethoscope, microscope, BP and Oxygen metres is used to test blood sugar, blood pressure and O2 levels and the results are provided online with access to specialised treatments," he said.

"The Global Hawk Tele-medicine services has developed the tele-radiology software, and prototype products like digitaliser, video conferencing system and view stations. The solutions will cut down the overall cost of the procedures," added Dr Mulk.

Nurses to receive training on diabetes

BY PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 23 Feb 2010

The UAE Ministry of Health (MoH) will begin on Feb.28 its second phase of training sessions for nurses to specialise in diabetes prevention and treatment, as part of efforts by the national committee to fight diabetes.

About 57 working nurses will undergo the training sessions that is being conducted in tandem with Aarhus Danish University, until till March 4 at Marriot Hotel in Dubai, said a senior MoH member.

Dr Mahmood Fikri, Executive Director for Health Policies Affairs at the MoH, said, "The selected male and female nurses are currently working under the ministry and other health authorities of the country. The initiative is aimed at making them equipped with capabilities in treatments for fighting diabetes and eliminating its complications."

"The national committee for fighting diabetes also has strategies to train about 500 general practitioners from public and private sectors in the UAE. The plan will facilitate the health authorities achieve the best practices by developing methods of diabetes care, eliminating complications of the disease and enhancing the strategies of combating diabetes," explained Dr Fikri.

The first phase of the training diabetes prevention training programme for nurses was held in November last year.

High cost hits healthcare

BY PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 7 Feb 2010

The relatively higher cost to avail medical care and service in the UAE may affect adversely the country's rapidly boosting healthcare sector facing challenges to its long-term sustainability, according to a recent study.

Focused on opportunities and challenges of the UAE's healthcare scenario, the new research report reveals that the soaring cost of healthcare provision leads to competitive disadvantages in the UAE.

The recently published research report titled "Transforming the Middle East's Healthcare Model," has been carried out by Grant Thornton, a global independent accounting and consulting firm. The study highlighted the need for cost rationalisation in the UAE's healthcare sector.

Farouk Mohamed, Managing Partner of Grant Thornton UAE, said: "Compared to the UAE's healthcare advancements, a strong reputation for quality and low-cost healthcare has already been established by competitor countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, with significant first-mover advantages."

"The average cost of heart bypass surgery in the UAE stood at $44,000, compared with an average of $18,500 in Singapore, $11,000 in Thailand, $10,000 in India and $9,000 in Malaysia," he pointed out.

"While the cost of healthcare provision in the UAE compares very favourably with that of most Western countries. The long-term development of the country's medical tourism sector remains extremely price-dependent," added Mohamed.

He noted that the lower levels of people's confidence have impinged on to some extend the healthcare sector in the Middle East region, as the world is passing through tough financial turbulences.

Hisham Farouk, International Practice Partner of the Grant Thornton UAE, mentioned the example of Singapore as that country targeted to attract traffic of 1 million medical tourists annually by 2012.

"The UAE also has similar opportunities if it brainstorms strategies to emerge it self as a significant regional medical tourism destination, through rationalised and cost-effective healthcare accessibility," he added.

He said that UAE can be benefited with significant direct and indirect advantages through further development of the country's medical tourism sector that is dependent upon more competitive costs.

According to Farouk, there is no question about the existing infrastructure in the UAE, as we have already built up clusters such as Dubai Healthcare City and other pioneer projects.

He pointed out, "There is every reason to believe that the ongoing development of this potentially high-growth area will further enhance the reputation of the UAE as a centre of medical excellence and a leading destination for medical care."

The research report reviews the key issues and looks into future prospects for the healthcare sector in the region. Providing insight into each of the Gulf's major locations the report identifies potential opportunities for private healthcare participants.

Meanwhile, another survey has revealed recently that residents in the UAE are cutting down cost of visiting doctors and receiving proper medications due to the heavy financial burdens and pressure of global recession.

Instead of seeking the advice of a medical practitioner or a specialist, a risky tendency has emerged among the residents to depend on purchasing medicines over-the-counter and escape the heavy expense of consulting with a doctor and receive the medication.

The recession coupled with higher cost of healthcare also has forced many people to rely on Internet contents and receive online diagnosis and receive medical advices or remedies.

Many of the lower income groups in the UAE have been compelled to be in a position to cut back or stop even the expenditure over-the-counter medicines. The sales have come down drastically for cheaper solutions for health problems, revealed the survey.

However, speaking at the two-day GCC health ministers conference held at Abu Dhabi last week, the UAE Minister of Health Dr Hanif Hassan said the countries of the region aspire to pioneer in the world in terms of providing highest standard healthcare services.

The 68th GCC Health Ministers Session, themed "E-services for Health", focused on creating ways to keep the region's health systems in line with global developments in information technology.

"The region is on process of developing new health strategies and policies in order to raise the levels of community members and individuals," added minister.

"This will facilitate the Gulf to face all the healthcare challenges, and set a high pace with determination, as well as aspiring towards implementing world's most advanced technological achievements in the region's facilities," said Dr Hassan.

Experts, in the meantime, have observed that the affluence and economic boom in the region have caused a number of long-lasting public health risks in these countries.

Each Gulf country is struggling to build a public health apparatus to combat common epidemics, particularly those caused by a more sedentary lifestyle.

Largest multi-track medical conference opens today

BY PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 25 Jan 2010

The world's largest multi-track medical conference which is commencing in Dubai on Monday will witness traffic flow of over 55,000 healthcare professionals from across the world.

Keeping abreast of the latest advances in medicine, the Arab Health Congress 2010 will be staged until Jan.28 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Simon Page, Group Director of Life Sciences Division, IIR Middle East that organises the Arab Health Congress, said, "The conference is by far the most extensive single scientific and educational platform for healthcare professionals not just in the Middle East, but on a global scale."

"This year, the congress features 18 accredited conferences addressed by 500 internationally acclaimed speakers. About 15 conferences will provide professionals with high-level accreditation approved as American Medical Association Physician's Recognition Award (AMA PRA) Category One credit," he added.

"This is supported by Cleveland Clinic Centre for Continuing Education, a not-for-profit academic medical centre that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education, to expand medical education activities," he noted.

According to Page, all healthcare service providers including hospitals, clinics and pharmacies must stay ahead by keeping their medical accreditation up to date, with the region's healthcare sector continuing to expand.

He said that healthcare professionals must maintain an annual quota of continuing medical education (CME) credits in order to renew medical practising licences.

"For many the Congress represents significant financial and time saving as, until recently, only limited CME courses were available in the region forcing many to travel abroad," he noted.

"The topics discussed in the conference include anaesthesia, medical imaging and diagnosis, cardiovascular diseases, orthopaedics, surgery, laboratory medicine, urology, paediatrics, gastroenterology and hepatology, quality management in healthcare, endovascular, molecular imaging and nuclear medicine," Page explained.

"Additional non-CME conferences on leaders in healthcare, the healthcare insurance forum, and the healthcare management forum will also be conducted," he added.

The Arab Health Exhibition and Congress are supported by the Ministry of Health, Dubai Health Authority and the Abu Dhabi Health Authority.

Academic year in UAE to commence as scheduled

BY PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 20 Sep 2009

The commencement of the new academic year in the public sector will not be postponed in the UAE, confirmed the Federal Ministry of Health (MoH).

"Even though there's no intention to put off the start of the academic year, the Ministry of Education (MoE) will have the complete authority to suspend classes partially for some time in a specific school or a group of schools, or even in a particular class," according to a senior MoH official.

Dr Ali Bin Ahmad Al Shakar, Director General of the MoH and Chairman of the Committee for Combating H1N1, said, "Education zones and school administrations would be given powers to postpone classes partially as per the nature of the infected cases in the particular school. The closure decision will come into effect in coordination with the health ministry."

"Central action will put in place after obtaining consent of the apex authority, in the events of swine flu outbreaks in more than one school," Dr Shakar stated after a meeting of the National Supervisory Committee for Combating Swine Flu. The meeting was held to pass an updated executive plan to combat the spread of the virus in the UAE schools.

According to him, the MoH has agreed with the education ministry to set up a working mechanism, as a secondary option to partially delay the commencement of the academic year in the government sector.

The H1N1 panel passed the updated executive plan as well as a media plan that will further strengthen the country's battle against the influenza. The meeting reviewed the vaccination general plan, for when the vaccine is available by the end of October, according to a WAM statement.

The Federal Health Minister Dr Hanif Hassan chaired the H1N1 panel meeting, in which the committee approved both the plans after taking stock of the general situation in schools.

"The committee also provided a plan for effectively handling the situation of spreading the flu in nurseries, kindergartens and centres for the handicapped children," said the chief executive of the ministry.

"The overall situation after two weeks of starting classes in some schools was very stable, despite the detection of individual infections among students. Roles of stakeholders from the health and education ministries as well as other competent authorities handing the H1N1 virus files were determined during the meeting," he added.

"The MoH had handed out eight types of posters and flyers containing educational and preventive tips on the H1N1 influenza to the MoE that will distribute them to schools," he pointed out.

According to him, students' guardians will be given lessons on the methods of dealing with the disease if it hits one of their kids. The H1N1 preventive strategies were drawn up by the MoH, in association with the Ministry of Social Affairs.

H1N1 steps to ensure schools reopen on time

BY PMA RASHEED
The Gulf Today, 28 Aug 2009

Reopening of private schools in the UAE after summer vacation will be as per schedule, confirmed the UAE Ministry of Health (MoH) as swine flu prevention measures have been put in place in all such schools across the country.
The ministry resolved the uncertainty over dealing with H1N1 influenza in schools at a session conducted on Thursday for private school representatives including doctors and nurses of schools clinics across the UAE.
The MoH, at a meeting held at College of Medical Sciences of the University of Sharjah, came up with comprehensive swine flu prevention strategies and plans as part of its national educational campaign against swine flu.
Wide-ranging plans
Dr Ali Ahmed Bin Shakar, Director General of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Chairman of the Technical Health Committee for Combating H1N1, said, "The campaign focuses on wide-ranging plans that include training, education and spreading messages among parents and the general public. All the H1N1 influenza infected students can avail of free treatments through the primary healthcare centres."
According to him, responsibility should be shared among community members and different authorities, at least to prevent, if not to stop the spread of H1N1 influenza.
"The schools are not allowed to provide parents figures on the suspected swine flu cases as it would create a panic situation among them," Shakar pointed out.
Before schools start
Dr Yusef Al Tair, Head of Accidents and Emergency Department at MoH and Member of the Technical Committee for Combating Swine Flu, said, "The MoH will conduct a nation-wide swine flu prevention training programme in different schedules over the coming weeks, covering all the schools in the country before they reopen."
"A selected group of six staff members including teachers, students, administrative and service staff from each school will be educated in the workshop. The trained people will be in charge of working on the precautionary measures to be implemented and they will monitor suspected cases among students or teachers and deal with treatments and follow-ups," he added.
According to him, these trained personnel will be the MoH ambassadors of the swine flu prevention programme in each school, providing timely awareness sessions and lectures for their colleagues.
No med certificates
"Meanwhile, schools have not been permitted to demand swine flu-free medical certificates from parents for their children, on their return to class after vacation," pointed out Dr Gamil M Tourkey, Technical Director of Preventive Medicine Department of the MoH.
This disclosure came in the wake of reports that some schools have already sent letters to parents to produce such certificates.
"The schools are also not allowed to arbitrarily announce closure of their campus in the event of an H1N1 outbreak. The closure can only be finalised after an analysis by the ministry's Technical Health Committee to Combat Swine Flu as the MoH wants to ensure that educational activities will not be disrupted," he said.
Linking officials
Dr Yousif Mohamed Al-Serkal, Acting Director of Kuwait Hospital and Member of the Swine Flu Prevention Technical Committee, noted that the MoH has appointed a team of officials to liaise between educational districts and the MoH.
He said, "In the event of H1N1 suspected cases, the schools have to report the case to the school health department as also the respective educational district. Following that, the link (liaison) official will co-ordinate with the preventive medical department to deal with suspected cases reported from schools in the particular educational district."
According to him, the ministry will inform the schools or post on its web portal about the contact details of the link officials assigned in each educational district.
Advisory to schools
"The ministry also advises the schools to put about 1.5 metre distance between students in classrooms, and if possible, to avoid close contact with infected students. The disease is transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets that can reach others within a radius of six feet," Dr Tourkey pointed out.
Mohammed Al Khatib, Member of the Technical Committee and Coordinator between the MoH and the Schools, said, "In case of a suspected case in the school, the teacher has to take the MoH's primary precautionary measures in the class room itself."
Suspected cases
"The school nurse will check the class room of the suspected case, and will shift the suspected student to school's clinic. Every school has should set up a separate room for the suspected students to keep them isolated until their parents come and take them," Al Khatib added.
He further explained, "The MoH has instructed that parents should be notified by way of a specified format issued by the ministry, in case of their children being suspected of having the virus."
"The parents will take them home in their private vehicles, as public or school transportation systems will cause the transmission of the disease to other pupils," he added.
Hygiene measures
"All desks in the school should wash with disinfectants, as part of the measures to prevent spread the flu virus. Messages on hygienic hand-washing practices should be circulated among the students," noted Khatib.
According to Al Tair, the ministry had adopted a new policy on Aug.16, for testing the H1N1 influenza. No more rapid tests will be conducted for the disease, but confirmative lab tests will be done and the confirmed patients will be referred to hospitals for further treatment.
"All the procedures to deal with outbreak of the H1N1 influenza in schools will be implemented in accordance with the plans drawn by the MoH as well as Dubai Health Authority (DHA)," he stated.