RCA steps in to sponsor heart surgery for the needy

The disadvantaged who need heart surgery in the UAE can turn to the Red Crescent Authority for the operation to be sponsored at Welcare Hospital.

Those in need will be means-tested and patients with little money and no benefits can qualify.

The charity operates the scheme through Emirates World Heart Group (EWH), which started a project called UAE Heart Patient Friends last month. Its aim is to provide free consultations, surgery, training and donations to hospitals, according to Dr Adel Al Shamry, chairman and founder of EWH and consultant heart surgeon at Zayed Hospital.

"We have already completed several operations and have a waiting list of 20. We want to provide clinical help and free heart surgery to people who need it," Dr Al Shamry said. "This unique project will bring together government and private hospitals."

Cardiac surgeon Dr Andre Wessels from the Welcare Hospital has already performed two operations.

"There is no limit to the number of procedures we will do, we can do 10 a month if the need is there. Patients will not be charged for interventions as all costs are covered by the RCA."

Dr Wessels said staff costs, doctors and treatment are provided free of charge. Only disposable surgical equipment, such as valves, are charged to the RCA. The average cost of a heart operation is usually Dh60,000 to Dh100,000, but Welcare Hospital will be charging RCA half this amount for a qualifying patient.