Dubai: 200 organ transplants in 2024, thanks to 65 donor families

Dubai: Dubai Health’s Rashid Hospital facilitated more than 200 transplants last year, supported by the generosity of about 65 donor families. The hospital, recognised for its specialised trauma and emergency care services, has emerged as the leading organ donation centre in the UAE.

“This accomplishment stems from the selfless generosity of over 65 families who chose to give the ultimate gift of life,” Dubai Health said in a statement.

Dubai Health has opened a dedicated Hayat lounge at the hospital, providing families with a private and comforting setting to discuss organ donation with healthcare professionals.

Dubai Health has been recognised as a leader in advancing organ donation in the UAE through its continuous collaboration with the National Centre for Regulating Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, its national programme ‘Hayat’, and the Dubai Health Authority. Such collaboration ensures the seamless coordination of organ donation referrals and provides compassionate support for donor families who choose to donate organs to save the lives of others.

“We are pleased to witness the collaborative efforts of our multidisciplinary teams in organ donation. With the continued support of the community and the dedication of healthcare professionals, we are proud to be at the forefront of organ donation, offering hope and a second chance to many patients in need,” Dr Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer of Dubai Health, said.

54 surgeries for children

Dubai Health offers specialised care for organ failure patients, particularly kidney transplantation surgeries and dialysis services at Dubai Hospital, Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Al Towar, and Al Barsha Dialysis Centers. Since 2016, Dubai Health surgeons have performed more than 160 kidney transplants, with 54 of these surgeries conducted for children.

“Through our unwavering commitment to organ donation and transplantation, we have developed an integrated approach that saves lives and gives hope. By collaborating with national entities, we are able to streamline organ donation processes, ensuring that each act of generosity honors the legacy of those who give and transforms the lives of patients,” Dr Zeyad Al Rais, Chair of Critical Care at Dubai Health, said.

Dh46 million raised

Additionally, last year Al Jalila Foundation launched the second edition of its kidney transplantation fundraising campaign, Your Donation Saves Lives, which raised more than Dh46 million to support over 65 kidney failure patients with life-saving surgeries, dialysis, and post-transplant care.

Dr Maria Gomez, Director of the National Centre for the Regulation of Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, pointed out that the concerted efforts of local and federal authorities in supporting the donation and transplantation of human organs and tissues is a “fundamental requirement” for developing healthcare services and one of the main pillars for the development of the Hayat program to support organ transplantation in the UAE.

Dr Gomez also commended the crucial contributions of other public and private hospitals working alongside local health authorities, including the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Mubadala, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah Health Authority, and the private sector nationwide.