Abu Dhabi: Almost 100 needy patients suffering from cardiovascular disease across the Middle East will soon receive free heart surgery as part of an initiative announced Monday by Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Hospital.
While most patients will be selected through various charity organisations, others who are currently unable to afford critical cardiothoracic surgery can also apply directly to the hospital, senior hospital executives told Gulf News in the capital Monday.
“The solution to combatting cardiovascular disease lies in educating people to stay healthy, but we acknowledge that it is already too late for many people whom only surgery can save.
“Sadly, not all such patients have health insurance or can afford the surgeries, and our programme aims to give them much-needed hope,” said Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, managing director of Lifeline Hospital Group and Burjeel Hospital.
A team of cardiac experts will begin screening patients and assessing their level of need for the free surgery from November 2 onwards.
The 100 procedures, which could include valve replacements, aortic surgeries, coronary stents and bypass surgeries, are expected to be completed within 12 months’ time, Dr Vayalil said.
If an eligible patient is living outside the UAE, and resources to perform the surgeries are locally available, the operation will be conducted in that country.
“Otherwise, Burjeel Hospital will cover the costs of transferring the patient to any facility where the procedure can be safely undertaken,” the managing director told Gulf News.
He added that the surgeries are being provided in memory of Shaikh Zayed, the UAE’s founding father, who dedicated his life to ensuring the welfare of all.
Cardiovascular disease is a major concern across the region, and World Health Organisation studies in 2004 predicted the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke mortality in the Midlle East to triple by 2014.
To improve the quality of cardiac care in the UAE, Burjeel has also tied up with Columbia University’s Columbia Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Experts from the United States-based facility will therefore ensure the quality of cardiothoracic surgeries at Burjeel.
In addition, local physicians will be trained by Columbia experts, some of whom could also perform surgeries whenever required, said Lawrence Beilis, executive director at the department.
“Our current team of cardiovascular surgeons [at Burjeel] has a wealth of local experience, but the partnership with an international leader like Columbia brings additional knowledge and expertise,” Dr Vayalil added.
