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Post-pandemic revival of medical tourism opens new investment opportunities in UAE

Article-Post-pandemic revival of medical tourism opens new investment opportunities in UAE

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The medical tourism industry has experienced a resurgence post-pandemic, both globally and in the UAE, which has led to an increase in business opportunities in the field, according to healthcare experts. 

The UAE, with its well-connected infrastructure and reputation for quality healthcare services, has been ranked sixth globally for medical tourism, according to the top leadership of UAE-based healthcare groups. 

According to a report by the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai alone received 630,000 international health tourists in 2021, despite the ongoing global pandemic.  

The CEO of Fakeeh University Hospital, Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul said: “The UAE is well-connected and holds a great reputation for quality healthcare services. This has led to a surge in healthcare investments in the region, with healthcare providers adopting the best international practices to serve local and international patients.” 

Set to Become Hub of Medical Tourism

Dr Fatih Mehmet Gul

CEO of Fakeeh University Hospital, Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul

Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare added: “There is a rising demand of healthcare services, which will drive the overall Medical Tourism segment growth over the next years. Recent technological advancements and interconnectivity have set a solid foundation for global medical tourism.”  

He also noted that there is a strong recovery and return in inbound health tourist travellers across Aster facilities in the GCC and India, but it is yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. 

According to Dr Gul, healthcare facilities in the UAE are also investing heavily in technology to offer improved services. “This includes the implementation and use of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosis and treatment, and the development of advanced medical tools such as wearables and virtual reality. All these technological advancements are set to revolutionise healthcare, making it more attractive to medical tourists.” 

Patients are now visiting the UAE for specialised treatments, ranging from cosmetic surgeries to oncological services. Various healthcare organisations are now partnering with facilities in the UAE, and with the availability of tertiary and quaternary services, the country is quickly becoming a leader in the field of medical tourism.  

Dr Azad Moopen

Dr. Azad Moopen, Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare

“We have an extremely efficient Hospital Information System (HIS), integrated with virtual health services, enabling us to stay connected with our patients even after they return home. Additionally, this has also created a positive impact on the economy,” said Dr. Gul.  

Dr. Moopen added: “Globally, medical tourism is projected to grow at a CAGR of 30.5 per cent between 2022 and 2032.” 

He said that Medical Value Travelers (MVT) will continue to seek healthcare services beyond surgeries and second opinions. “There will be exponential increase in the MVT to the UAE in view of the increasing number of world-class institutions coming up in the country and the excellent infrastructure. Dubai also has the advantage of excellent connectivity and is the preferred destination for other Middle East countries due their comfort in interacting in  Arabic.” 

Dr. Moopen also added that to meet the expectations of medical tourists, organisations should embrace digital health technologies and international quality accreditation institutions, such as Joint Commission International (JCI) and National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), should accredit institutions beyond allopathy. 

To learn more about medical tourism and read about its latest updates dive into our Medical Travel Special

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Saudi Arabia focuses on hospitality services in hospitals

Article-Saudi Arabia focuses on hospitality services in hospitals

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Evidence suggests that hospital patients often receive the medical treatment they need but it can sometimes feel depersonalised. Thus, a welcoming and comfortable treatment environment is as important as clinical excellence in improving patient outcomes.  

Keeping this in mind, the healthcare community has been ramping up focus on elevating the provision of hospitality services in hospitals. Below, we explore the importance of hospitality services in hospitals and what the situation in Saudi Arabia looks like in this respect. 

What is hospitality in hospitals, and how is it beneficial? 

When it comes to hospitals, hospitality includes aspects like comfortable and clean bedding, fresh and healthy food options, adequate lighting, pleasant room décor, and access to entertainment facilities. 

For those in the healthcare industry, it is of paramount importance to realise that for any patient, a hospital stay can be a stressful experience. In such a situation, good hospitality services can help alleviate some stress and discomfort. Good hospitality can help them sleep better, reduce anxiety, and ultimately aid in faster recovery. Focusing on this additionally has several benefits for hospitals, including: 

  • Improved patient satisfaction: Patients receiving excellent hospitality services during their hospital stay are more likely to feel comfortable and satisfied with their experience. This can manifest in better recovery rates and fewer hospital readmissions. 
  • Enhanced hospital reputation: Hospitals prioritising hospitality services are more likely to build a positive reputation in the community. Patients and their families will naturally be more likely to choose a hospital known for providing excellent care and hospitality services. 
  • Revenue growth: Patients who are satisfied with their experience will be inclined to recommend the hospital to others, which can lead to more business and revenue. 
  • Improved employee satisfaction: Hospitality services also benefit hospital employees. Healthcare providers who get to work in a pleasant and comfortable environment are more likely to be satisfied with their work, which can lead to better retention rates and a more productive workforce. 

Enhanced care in Saudi Arabia 

The government and healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia understand the importance of enhancing hospitality in healthcare.  

The Ministry of Health has taken steps to improve patient experience and satisfaction. They have established regulatory bodies, such as the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI), to ensure that hospitals meet strict standards for quality care and hospitality services. 

Moreover, they have implemented measures such as the Patient Experience Program, which includes initiatives like patient-centred care models, hospital facility improvement, and training for healthcare providers on patient-centred care.  

Saudi Arabia’s government has invested heavily in the healthcare sector, focusing on building new hospitals and upgrading existing ones. These new facilities are designed with patient comfort and hospitality, with features such as private rooms, comfortable furniture, and high-quality food. 

Regarding the hospital side, several well-known names are making significant strides in creating a comfortable and welcoming patient environment.  

For instance, the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, one of the country's largest and most advanced hospitals, offers high-quality hospitality services such as comfortable patient rooms, personalised care, varied food options, and excellent medical facilities. They offer more than 45 unique therapeutic menus for patients that provide healthy choices per doctor's instructions. Every meal is prepared upon request, and no meal is pre-cooked to ensure superior health and quality standards.  

Similarly, the King Fahd Medical City (KFMC) hospital provides spacious rooms, delicious food, and personalised care from a team of dedicated staff. They also have initiatives like the voice of customer programmes to empower patients and families to take an active role in improving the patient experience at KFMC and provide real-time feedback and creative solutions to specific challenges.  

Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare is another well-known name renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centric approach. They offer various hospitality services, including private patient rooms, gourmet meals, and personalised care.  

These examples are one of the many for providing excellent hospitality services in its hospitals, with a focus on patient comfort and personalised care. 

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Global stethoscopes sector poised for growth

Article-Global stethoscopes sector poised for growth

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Stethoscopes have remained an integral part of medical practice for over 200 years. As a highly effective auscultation device, the tool allows medical professionals to listen to internal sounds of the body to help diagnose and monitor various medical conditions. Sounds of arterial blood flow, murmurs of the heart, the noise made by the lungs, and the acoustics of the gastrointestinal tract all point toward the health (or a lack thereof) of an individual. 

Because of its usefulness in detecting a wide range of illnesses, the stethoscope market is still going strong today. According to a recent report by Fact.MR, the global stethoscope market is projected to reach US$504 million by the end of 2026, up from US$431 million in 2022. This indicates a CAGR of 4 per cent. However, a number of factors are driving this expansion.  

The prevalence of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, and diabetes is on the rise and requires ongoing monitoring. Additionally, more people over the age of 45 now regularly visit physicians. Both of these factors are fueling the expansion of the stethoscope market.  

Innovations in the stethoscope industry 

To meet this demand, manufacturers developed new products to meet the changing needs of healthcare providers. Some companies explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse the sounds captured by stethoscopes, potentially allowing for more accurate and efficient diagnosis. Others developed stethoscopes that could be used for telemedicine, allowing healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients.  

According to the Fact.MR report, from early identification to prompt treatment, cutting-edge digital stethoscopes have proven to be the preferred option for diagnosis and management among healthcare professionals. Digital stethoscopes currently hold 16 per cent of the total stethoscope market share. These devices offer advanced features such as noise reduction, amplification, and wireless connectivity, allowing for more accurate and efficient diagnosis.  

The adoption of digital stethoscopes is expected to continue to grow, particularly in developed countries where healthcare providers have greater access to technology and larger healthcare budgets. 

However, certain challenges also impede the growth of the overall market. The latest stethoscope models come equipped with advanced features, making them more expensive. This can increase healthcare costs and the higher price tag may render these diagnostic tools unaffordable for a significant portion of the global healthcare industry, especially in developing nations. Furthermore, the lack of awareness and training on the use of these state-of-the-art tools could also potentially hinder market expansion. 

Overall, the stethoscope market shows a healthy outlook for the next four years, as per the report. Among the end users, physician's offices provide the most profitable end consumer segment for manufacturers followed by healthcare settings and hospitals, especially in North America, which is a significantly profitable market for manufacturers compared to other locations.  

While numerous world-class stethoscopes are being produced to aid the growing telemedicine sector, high production costs limit key market players from participating in developing economies. Looking ahead, the stethoscope market is expected to continue its upward trajectory. But if price-related challenges can be overcome, growth can be increased manifold.  

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Ongoing education and training compulsory for lab professionals

Article-Ongoing education and training compulsory for lab professionals

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People skills need constant updates to keep up with healthcare transformation now that the field has been accelerated with technologically infused changes. Innovation, research, and education are key areas that need to be updated on a regular basis through training, especially in lab settings, according to Dr. Nasir Pervez, Director of Thumbay Labs, Ajman.  

However, many medical laboratory science programmes are currently dealing with numerous challenges that may negatively impact the quality of education and competency of graduates.  The types and scales of those challenges may vary from country to country, or from region to region. 

In the healthcare system, lab professionals act as an investigating liaison between patients and the hospital and therefore the future of healthcare system depends on the medical training of these professionals.  

“Medical technologies used in the diagnostic industry are tools and like any other tools, they will perform best when operators know how to use them properly,” said Dr. Pervez. “It is therefore essential that operators get the complete and thorough training they need before making use of equipment,” he added.  

Certified training dispenses key knowledge and addresses how the practice needs to grow and provides methods to up-skill the talent to cater to evolving needs. One way to ensure high standards of medical laboratory science programmes is through the accreditation of programmes through national and international professional organisations. 

“Well-trained and certified lab professionals are an invaluable resource to the ever-evolving and expanding healthcare ecosystem,” Dr. Pervez said.  

As healthcare becomes more technology-driven, the importance of initial training has become more important in the field of diagnostics. “Lab professionals support the doctors as well as the healthcare system in a way that the root of their purpose extends throughout the treatment process,” he added. 

He added, “As their work comprises precise detail that needs to be carefully executed at the time of practice, and they are subject to the same regulations and guidelines as any healthcare entity, their training is crucial. It also helps them in improving their day-to-day productivity, meet the guidelines of regulations, and keep up with the constant advances in cutting-edge technology demanded by medical procedures.”  

Some of the challenges facing the industry, especially from the perspective of human resource availability, is a shortage of qualified and skilled medical lab scientists in many countries. Reasons include but are not limited to — number of accredited programmes, decreased general interest in becoming a medical laboratory scientist due to poor working conditions or low salaries, and increasing governmental regulations.  

These challenges can be resolved by healthcare leaders by addressing specific issues and offering sustainable solutions. 

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New fiscal year shows exciting progress in healthtech

Article-New fiscal year shows exciting progress in healthtech

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In the coming months, drivers of innovative approaches to healthtech will revolve around extending the clinical setting, engaging patients wherever they are, and evolution of healthcare knowledge. The traditional boundaries of the industry will dissolve, and new roles will emerge in the future of health as exponential innovation propels the industry. 

Deloitte forecasts that a wave of innovations in telemedicine, health wearables, and neurotechnology will push medtech companies to spend more in the next few years. On the other side, Statista reports that the revenue in the medical market is projected to reach US$612.50 billion in 2023, a 6.5 per cent increase compared to 2022. 

Trends will always set a pace and benchmark for the operations of companies and caregivers. Taking a cue from the previous year, it's inevitable that trends will have a spotlight on:

- Healthtech proves return on investments  

With healthcare costs increasing and margins shrinking, providers demand that healthcare technologies demonstrate a strong return on investment. Healthcare software vendors in 2023 will need to adapt their priorities to succeed. 

- Faster approval processes 

Investors might steer towards companies with IPs that can be utilised for large international markets with faster regulatory approval processes. As companies push to speed up the product development and approvals of therapies, vaccines, and devices for COVID-19, they are likely to engage even more intensively with regulatory agencies.  

- Utilisation of machine learning, AI and data analytics in healthcare 

It is expected that AI will accelerate clinical research and drug discovery, especially when detecting side effects or finding the most efficient combination of medicines. 

- Smart implants 

In 2023, more implant-related choices and technologies will enter the healthcare market in the US and worldwide. This promises exceptionally higher efficiency of regenerative medicine, patient rehabilitation, and a cure for many types of disabilities that have previously been considered incurable.  

- Boost in preventive medicine  

People are becoming more health conscious now. This is why they are banking on wearable devices powered by AI predictive analytics, Internet of Medical Things, Big Data, and more to manage their health effectively. We will see increased adoption of intelligent wearables in 2023. Similar technologies like Brainomix have shown to help reduce stroke disability, and the time between stroke and treatment by more than 60 minutes is expected to emerge.  

- Fast healthcare interoperability resources 

Healthcare accompanies us everywhere now. Improving interoperability will support the growth and value of remote medical devices and the internet of medical things (IoMT). Providers and vendors will focus on device integration as more care moves out of the hospital and into the home. This will give patients fast access and connect patients with doctors and providers to plan, schedule, and manage their care. 

- Patient’s experience will evolve digital experience   

Healthcare providers and software vendors will focus more on patients’ digital experience in 2023. This means advances in the digital front door to engage, inform, and serve patients.  

There will be more focus on digital health start-ups that show a measurable return on investment (ROI) and clinical validation of the technology's platform. In addition, the need for clinical validation and evidence that tech solutions improve clinical care is not new in the digital health sector but is now taking priority as the sector matures. 

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The risk of inaction over lack of exercise in the Gulf region

Article-The risk of inaction over lack of exercise in the Gulf region

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Lack of exercise is a growing concern globally, with an estimated one in four adults not getting enough physical activity to maintain good health.  

It is a growing issue in the Gulf states, as major societal changes driven by rapid economic growth have forced many into sedentary lifestyles with poor diets and low rates of exercise. These lifestyles produce well-understood consequences, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and several types of cancer.  

Some Gulf states have among the highest rates of obesity in the world, with more than 30 per cent of the population in Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia overweight. This is reflected in some of, for instance, the highest rates of diabetes in the world. 

The threat of inactivity 

Inactivity is a major contributor to the global burden of disease, accounting for around 5 million deaths per year.

The cost of treating preventable diseases caused by lack of exercise is also a financial burden, with estimates suggesting that it could cost healthcare systems US$300 billion by 2030. In addition, the economic cost of lost productivity due to illness and disability is substantial. 

Despite these alarming statistics, many countries still do not prioritise physical activity in their public health policies. This is often because exercise is seen as a personal responsibility, rather than a public health issue.  

This lack of attention to the problem of inactivity has led to limited investment in infrastructure and initiatives to encourage physical activity. Indeed, a report by the World Health Organisation noted that Kuwait had the highest prevalence of physical inactivity, with 67 per cent failing to meet minimum standards for exercise. 

Moreover, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, driven by technology and the changing nature of work, are only exacerbating the problem. In the Gulf, sitting for long hours in front of screens, whether for work or leisure, is becoming more and more common as the economy reorientates around white-collar work, and cities become increasingly dependent on cars. 

This inactivity is taking a serious toll on public health, with studies showing that people who sit for more than six hours per day have a higher risk of dying from heart disease and other causes. 

Urgent action 

It is clear the Gulf region has a serious problem with obesity. Without concerted action, the cost of treating preventable diseases and the impact on productivity will only continue to rise. 

The United Arab Emirates is among those nations to take tangible steps to combat obesity, introducing measure to discourage the consumption of unhealthy food and drink. These include a 50 per cent tax on carbonated drinks and a 100 per cent tax on energy drinks. 

However, reducing obesity – and lifestyle-related disease – requires increasing the rate of physical activity. Governments, employers, and individuals across the Gulf region must therefore prioritise physical activity and invest in initiatives to encourage it.  

References available on request. 

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Exploring financial sustainability in healthcare management

Article-Exploring financial sustainability in healthcare management

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Healthcare organisations, like any other business, need to be financially sustainable to provide quality care to their patients. This means being able to generate enough revenue to cover expenses, invest in new technologies, and make necessary upgrades to its facilities. Without financial sustainability, a healthcare organisation may have to cut corners, reduce staff, or even close its doors. Therefore, it is key to understand the sustainable performance of healthcare systems (SPHS).

According to a report titled How can the Healthcare System Deliver Sustainable Performance? A Scoping Review, healthcare spending is growing faster than economic growth across the globe. The challenges facing healthcare systems include an ageing population, which has resulted in an increase in chronic diseases and multimorbidity and increasingly costly new medical technology. It is believed that around 30 per cent of care provided by healthcare systems is low value, owing primarily to administrative costs, bureaucracy, overdiagnosis, overtreatment, or other issues.

Hospitals are a cornerstone of healthcare delivery, accounting for 28.3 per cent of total current health expenditures in Germany, 53.2 per cent in Turkey, and more than 35 per cent in 21 OECD nations in 2017, according to The Association between Hospital Financial Performance and the Quality of Care — A Scoping Review Protocol’ report.

Previously, SPHS was defined solely in terms of financial sustainability. Now it has expanded to include how well the system is accepted by patients and workers, how adaptable and resilient it is in the face of challenges, and how well it can absorb new knowledge and innovations, while keeping financial sustainability its core focus.

SPHS features the creation of acceptable workplace cultures, direct community and consumer involvement, and the use of evidence-based practices and technologies. These emphasise on several factors that contribute to financial sustainability in healthcare organisations. One of the most important is financial management. This involves monitoring revenue streams, controlling expenses, and identifying opportunities for growth. By keeping a close eye on finances, healthcare organisations can ensure that they are operating within their means and maximising their resources.

Another important factor is efficiency. Healthcare organisations that operate efficiently can save money and improve patient outcomes. For example, if a hospital can reduce the time it takes to discharge a patient, it can free up beds for new patients and reduce the overall cost of care. By streamlining processes and eliminating waste, healthcare organisations can operate more efficiently and save money.

Technology is also an important factor in financial sustainability. Healthcare organisations that invest in new technologies such as electronic health records and telemedicine can improve patient care and reduce costs. Electronic health records can further help reduce errors and improve coordination of care, while telemedicine can provide access to care for patients who might not otherwise be able to receive it.

According to the study, Boosting Sustainability in Healthcare Sector through Fintech: Analysing the Moderating Role of Financial and ICT Development, financial institutions are partnering with Fintech organisations to facilitate financing at the individual and company levels. Financial and ICT growth moderates the association between Fintech development and long-term performance within the healthcare realm.

Collaboration and partnerships are also important for financial sustainability. Healthcare organisations can work together to share resources and reduce costs. For example, hospitals can collaborate on purchasing agreements for medical supplies or share expensive diagnostic equipment.

Finally, fundraising and philanthropy can also play a role in financial sustainability. Many healthcare organisations rely on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fund research, purchase equipment, and provide financial assistance to patients. By building strong relationships with donors and community partners, healthcare organisations can ensure that they have the resources they need to continue providing quality care to their patients.

In conclusion, financial sustainability is crucial for healthcare organisations to continue providing quality care to their patients. Proper financial management, efficiency, technology, collaboration, and philanthropy are all important factors in achieving financial sustainability. By focusing on these areas, healthcare organisations can ensure that they have the resources they need to provide the best possible care to their patients.

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Enabling lifelong learning for healthcare practitioners

Article-Enabling lifelong learning for healthcare practitioners

Supplied healthvarsity

The role of accessible education has always been a critical one, and now healthcare stakeholders in the GCC can reap the benefits of the largest online platform in the region. Leveraging AI and blockchain technology, Healthvarsity aims to provide healthcare professionals with opportunities to progress in their careers by offering more than 200 courses, which can be paid for in cryptocurrency.

The EdTech venture is the brainchild of Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder-President of Healthvarsity and Thumbay Group, a Dubai-based international business conglomerate with operations in education and healthcare. Healthvarsity is headquartered and registered in Dublin, Ireland.

The platform aims to enhance the availability and scope of established programmes that improve the skills of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and students pursuing medical studies. In the future, the platform will introduce additional features such as an AI-powered Virtual Instructor, Virtual Mentor, and Virtual Assessor.

Dr. Moideen introduced the platform to 200 stakeholders and guests at its official launch ceremony on Tuesday. Staying true to its digital style, the launch was streamed live on YouTube. Guests of honour included Dr. Richard Grose, Dean for Global Engagement, Professor of Cancer Cell Biology, Queen Mary University of London, UK, and Wendy Palmer, Director, Global Studio, Deakin University, Australia. Dr. Grose and Palmer played a role in designing the audio-visual courses as well as the syllabus alongside a panel of international experts.

In his keynote at the launch, Dr. Moideen highlighted the rise of online learners around the world. “Global medical graduates stand at roughly 0.9 million per annum and the cost of various courses are extremely high, which we aim to bring down through this platform,” he said, adding that the global EdTech business itself recorded US$11 billion in 2022 and is growing at an estimated rate of 13 to 14 per cent per year.

“The classrooms of the future will adapt to virtual reality, gamification, webinars, e-Libraries and more, which is a result of the accelerated rate of digital and online learning. Our aim is to engage more than 100,000 learners in the next five years across the Middle East, Indian sub-continent, South Asia, and Africa,” he said.

Dr. Mohamed M. Al-Eraky, CEO, Healthvarsity, addressed the long-term commitment required by students in programmes traditionally offered by universities and how technology can ease the burden.

“With the evolving landscape of healthcare, graduates now are expected to learn, unlearn, and relearn new skills to keep their jobs and consider even. Health is more than an online platform, it is about giving choices to health professionals to meet the progressive changes of a competitive global market. Now, people are more attentive to learning concepts and strategies that they can apply immediately. We would like to foster this autonomy of learners and professionals and are planning to be the leading platform in healthcare education,” he said.

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Timely vascular disease treatment can salvage limbs, says expert

Article-Timely vascular disease treatment can salvage limbs, says expert

Image via Canva Pro blood vessels

Vascular diseases encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the circulatory system, including arteries, veins, and lymph vessels. These diseases pose significant health risks and require specialised treatment to ensure optimal outcomes for patients.  

Dr. Houssam Younes, Department Chair of Vascular Surgery at the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, says that vascular diseases can affect different parts of the body, including the arteries, veins, and blood vessels. Some common conditions include peripheral artery disease, carotid artery issues, venous disease, blood clots, aortic aneurysm, fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), lymphedema, and vasculitis. 

Dr. Younes explains: “Vascular disease encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions that affect blood circulation. It is crucial to understand each disease's unique characteristics to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.” 

Dr. Houssam Younes, Department Chair of Vascular Surgery

Dr. Houssam Younes, Department Chair of Vascular Surgery at the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

 

Peripheral artery disease occurs when arteries outside the heart develop atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by the build-up of plaque inside the blood vessels. This narrowing of the arteries leads to reduced blood flow and potential tissue ischemia. Venous disease, on the other hand, affects the veins and can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, and the formation of blood clots. Blood clots can have serious consequences, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. 

He also says that aortic aneurysm, an abnormal bulge in the aorta, poses a significant risk to patients. Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a rare condition that causes abnormal cellular growth in the medium and large arteries, leading to narrowing, aneurysms, or tears. Lymphoedema occurs when there is an abnormal buildup of fluid due to damage or removal of lymph vessels or nodes. Vasculitis, the inflammation of blood vessels, can also contribute to the development of aneurysms. 

Several factors increase the risk of developing vascular diseases. These include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and genetic predisposition. Dr. Younes emphasises: “It is essential for individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, to prevent the onset of vascular diseases. Early detection and management of underlying risk factors are crucial.” 

Healthcare providers such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi employ innovative surgical techniques and clinical first treatment methods to deliver exceptional patient care. “Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has a unique set-up of a hybrid operating room that enables us to perform both open surgery and minimally invasive endovascular procedures simultaneously.” 

The multidisciplinary approach plays a vital role in their limb salvage programme that aims to treat patients with diabetic foot and critical limb ischemia with the objective of saving limbs from amputation or minimising the extent of amputation if necessary.  

As of 2021, 11.8 per cent of people between the ages of 20 and 79 in the UAE were affected by diabetes.  

“A very common complication of diabetes mellitus is developing foot wounds and blockage in blood vessels causing gangrene with sequela of amputation,” he says, adding that major amputation causes economic burden due to disability requiring long rehabilitation and expensive prosthesis and diminishing quality of life and life expectancy of affected patients.  

Dr. Younes adds that with the growing diabetes foot prevalence, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi established a comprehensive multidisciplinary centre in 2019. “Within a year of launch of the limb salvage programme, the hospital was able to triple the number of patients who were treated and was able to reduce the amputation rate in the patients by 50 per cent,” he notes. 

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Diabetes prevention remains UAE’s top priority

Article-Diabetes prevention remains UAE’s top priority

CanvaPro Diabetes in the UAE

As the world continued to reel from the effects of health crises in the past years, people across the globe experienced a radical change in their health and well-being. The rise in unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity and lack of nutritional education contributed to the development of some serious conditions such as diabetes, leaving individuals grappling with long-term health complications.

Diabetes is a highly prevalent global and regional health concern, with approximately 30 per cent of the UAE’s population qualifying as diabetic or pre-diabetic according to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). A report issued by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) predicts that 1.17 million of the total population (between ages 20-79 years) could have diabetes by 2030. These alarming figures have paved the way for the industry to combine its technological and research capabilities in providing solutions to help combat the spread of the disease.

Dr. Darvin V. Das, Specialist Endocrinology at Aster Hospital, Mankhool, said that the genetic predisposition in the population for diabetes is high, making type 2 diabetes a serious and common public health problem in the region. Increasing cases of obesity, hypertension, and smoking have contributed to its development in the younger population as well. He added that creating awareness and adhering to medicine and lifestyle modifications are essential when it comes to treating diabetes successfully.

The UAE last year introduced a weight-loss drug proven to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide or Mounjaro, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is found to reduce up to 22.5 per cent of the body weight due to decreased appetite. The injection reduces blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production.

“There are a lot of activities happening around promoting calorie deficit diets as it helps reduce visceral fats and improves insulin resistance to achieve better glycaemic control. Newer technologies with 24-hour continuous glucose monitoring assist in identifying patterns with different types of food and exercise, which helps individuals in determining their medication and insulin dosage needs,” said Dr. Das.

Abu Dhabi Healthcare Services (SEHA), UAE’s largest healthcare network provides comprehensive treatment plans to children and adults with diabetes. Their Ambulatory Healthcare Services provides access to the latest technologies including the Sudoscan, a painless examination that reveals neuropathic abnormalities and complications in diabetic patients within just three minutes.

To assist people in managing diabetes, pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca launched a health and well-being app Health Gate in the UAE, which uses an AI-generated platform to monitor patient vitals and increase their awareness regarding any diabetes-related complications. The app also provides patients with individually curated tips and guidance to manage their condition effectively.

Dr. Das believes diabetes is yet to be seen by a large section of the population as a chronic illness that can later develop into life-threatening complications. He says that in the long term, it becomes imperative to manage cholesterol levels by quitting smoking, having periodic eye check-ups, addressing foot problems, maintaining a healthy weight and self-monitoring blood glucose levels.

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