Riyadh Emir launches 28 healthcare projects worth $1.86bln
The package of projects included projects in Riyadh's three health clusters worth more than SR1.8 billion. The first health cluster includes nine projects, most notably the 500-bed Women's, Maternity and Children's Hospital (the second medical tower) at King Saud Medical City; the 200-bed medical tower at King Salman Hospital; the 200-bed medical tower at Al-Iman Hospital; and the 30-bed kidney building in Al-Aflaj.
The project also included the development of four primary healthcare centers in the neighborhoods of Al-Hazm, Badr, Okaz, and Al-Fawaz; the primary healthcare center in Al-Rabwa, which includes nine clinics and 30 intensive care beds in the long-term care hospital; the five-bed urgent care project at Hawtah Bani Tamim Hospital; and the Al-Qassim Charitable Complex for Hemodialysis and Dentistry, which includes 22 dental clinics and 15 hemodialysis chairs.
The launched projects also include the expansion project of Tamir Hospital under Ibrahim Al Sultan Charitable Foundation with a capacity of 30 beds, as was a health center in Rawdat Sudair under Al-Babtain Charitable Foundation).
The Third Health Cluster projects included nine new projects, most notably the 300-bed Diriyah General Hospital, the Abdul Moneim Al Rashid Healthcare Center, two specialized dental and rehabilitation centers named after Abdul Moneim Al Rashid, the development of the emergency department at Shaqra Hospital, the establishment of a health center in Umm Al-Manasher, the development of outpatient clinics at Shaqra Hospital, the creation of an endoscopy department at Al-Dawadmi Hospital, and the development of the emergency department at Thadiq Hospital.
Prince Faisal bin Bandar also inaugurated eight new private sector health projects worth more than SR5 billion, including the 343-bed Madida Medical Care Company, the 30-bed Riyadh Medical Hospital, the 20-bed Arteh Specialized Hospital, and the 10-bed Banan Medical Hospital.
For his part, Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel emphasized that these projects are part of the Ministry of Health's efforts to support the health infrastructure and improve the quality of services provided to beneficiaries, embodying the wise leadership's commitment to providing the best levels of healthcare to beneficiaries across the Kingdom.
The minister noted that the integration of the public, private, and non-profit sectors contributes to enabling innovation, adopting smart solutions and digital systems, and attracting distinguished investments in medical technology, health research, and capacity building. This will help achieve a healthy and vibrant society, in light of Saudi Vision 2030.
It is noteworthy that these projects are part of the Ministry of Health's efforts to enhance investment attractiveness in the health sector and consolidate effective partnerships between the public and private sectors, contributing to building an innovative and sustainable health environment, in line with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, which stems from the Saudi Vision 2030.
© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Aunt's heroic donation saves nephew as BMC performs UAE's youngest infant liver transplant
ABU DHABI: For Yahya and Zainab Al Yassi, World Organ Donation Day this year carries deeply personal meaning. Just a few months ago, their infant son, Baby Ahmed Yahya, faced a grim future, diagnosed with a rare genetic condition affecting his liver and other vital systems. Weighing just 4.4 kilograms and only five months old, Ahmed became the youngest infant in the UAE to undergo a successful liver transplant. The procedure was made possible by the extraordinary courage of a family member and the skill of a multidisciplinary team at Burjeel Medical City (BMC). The birth of Ahmed, the fifth child, was a moment of joy and hope for the family. He is the couple's first surviving boy after the tragic loss of another son, also named Ahmed in honour of his grandfather, who died in 2010 from liver disease. Hence, when the young Ahmed's liver enzyme levels rose shortly after birth, it raised concern. Though initially expected to stabilize, his condition quickly deteriorated. Doctors at BMC diagnosed him with an ATP6AP1-related congenital disorder of glycosylation, an ultra-rare genetic disorder with fewer than 25 known cases worldwide. 'This disease is a severe, multisystem condition that particularly affects the liver. In Ahmed's case, the disorder was progressing rapidly toward liver failure. Given the rarity of the condition, there were no clear answers, only tough questions. Yet we had to act,' said Dr. Johns Shaji Mathew, Abdominal Transplant and Hepato - Pancreatico - Biliary Surgeon at BMC. Because of the critical condition, the baby needed an urgent liver transplant and the family looked for a living donor to avoid any delay. As the medical team deliberated over the clinical complexity of performing a liver transplant on such a small child with an uncertain prognosis, hope arrived from within the family. The wife of his father's brother volunteered to be a living donor. Remarkably, she was a perfect match. 'I still remember the pain when we lost our first son to liver disease. When we heard our second son had a similar problem, I thought this was our destiny. But the doctors at BMC gave us new hope. And my sister-in-law, she gave us life again,' said Yahya, Ahmed's father. Ahmed's aunt, who had never considered organ donation before, dove into research and discussions with the transplant team. 'I read everything I could find. I realized that donating part of my liver could save his life, and I knew I had to do it. It's a bond that nothing in this world can break,' she said. The transplant was performed on April 4, 2025, in one of the most technically challenging pediatric surgeries ever conducted in the region. Led by Dr. Gourab Sen, Director - Transplant Surgery, Burjeel Abdominal Multi-Organ Transplant Program & Dr. Johns Shaji Mathew, the team meticulously prepared a mono-segment graft from the donor's liver to fit the tiny abdominal cavity of the infant. Pediatric anesthesia was managed by Dr. Ramamurthy Baskaran, Division Chair of Anesthesia; Dr. George Jacob and Dr. Anshu S. The baby was managed perioperatively in the PICU by Dr. Kesava Ramakrishnan, Consultant, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and his team. 'This was a precision operation that lasted 12 hours, including the donor and the recipient surgery. We used a mono-segment graft, which is a tiny part of the donor's liver, and shaped it exactly to fit the baby's anatomy. In an infant this tiny, every structure is delicate beyond imagination, each vessel was thinner than a matchstick, and the margin for error was virtually zero. The surgery required not only technical expertise but constant focus, as we were working in millimeters, sometimes even fractions of a millimeter. It is not just a surgical procedure, it is micromillimeter craftsmanship performed under extreme pressure, with every member of the team synchronizing perfectly to keep the child stable throughout,' said Dr. Gourab. Despite the high-risk nature of the operation and the child's fragile condition, the surgery was a success. Baby Ahmed was extubated soon, began feeding within days, and showed excellent liver function. His recovery was carefully supported by a multidisciplinary team including pediatric intensivists, gastroenterologists, dietitians, radiologists, and rehabilitation experts, showcasing the depth of BMC's tertiary and quaternary care infrastructure. What makes this case exceptional is not just the age and weight of the patient, but the rare genetic diagnosis and the global scarcity of successful transplants in such cases. Ahmed now joins a handful of survivors worldwide who have overcome this ultra-rare condition through transplantation. 'Each decision we made involved balancing scientific uncertainty with human life. The courage of the family and the coordination of every department at BMC made this miracle possible,' said Dr. Gourab. Today, Baby Ahmed is growing steadily. His liver function continues to improve, and his neurodevelopmental milestones are being closely monitored. Under the long-term care program, he receives specialized nutritional support, immune monitoring, and family counseling. As the world marks World Organ Donation Day, Yahya reflects on their journey with deep emotion and gratitude: 'My baby's recovery is nothing short of a miracle. We were once a family living in fear of losing another child, but today, we are celebrating a second chance at life. I hope our story inspires others to come forward, to learn more, and to consider becoming donors. You never know whose life you might change." The HAYAT National Program invites the public to learn more about related living organ donation, where a healthy person donates to a family member in need. This life-saving act can shorten waiting times and transform lives. Speak with your healthcare provider and discover how you can give the gift of life.
Emirates 24/7
4 days ago
- Emirates 24/7
Al Jalila Foundation Supports 60 Organ Transplant Patients
Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, announced that it has contributed to saving the lives of 60 patients by supporting organ transplant surgeries as part of the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign. The announcement coincides with World Organ Donation Day, observed annually on 13 August, and reflects the Foundation's long-term commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and fostering a culture of organ donation as a humanitarian value. Since its launch in April 2021, the campaign has supported 60 transplant procedures, including 53 kidney transplants and 7 liver transplants. Among these are 24 children with kidney failure and 5 children with liver failure. As part of this program, the Foundation continues to support more than 65 patients with life-saving transplants, who are unable to access or afford specialized care. These efforts are aligned with the goals of HAYAT, the National Program for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation and are carried out in partnership with Dubai Health's integrated academic health system. From Campaign to Permanent Program Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, announced that the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign has now evolved into a permanent initiative under the Foundation's A'awen program, which provides financial assistance to patients in need of critical medical treatment across the UAE, a step that aligns with Dubai Health's commitment, 'Patient First'. 'On World Organ Donation Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous donors, individuals and institutions alike, who contributed to both the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign. Their support represents a powerful model of human solidarity, with the first edition alone helping to fund nearly 30% of all organ transplants performed in Dubai,' said Dr. Al Zarooni. He also extended his appreciation to living organ donors and to the families of deceased donors, saying: 'Your compassion has given others a second chance at life. We thank you for your extraordinary generosity.' Ensuring Safe, Successful Transplants Dr. Ashraf Al Hinnawi, Consultant Transplant Surgeon at Dubai Health, explained that the medical team works collaboratively to thoroughly evaluate both the donor and the recipient before transplantation, ensuring the highest possible long-term success rates. 'We conduct comprehensive assessments of kidney function and immune compatibility between the donor and recipient, along with detailed medical and surgical evaluations that include lab tests and imaging studies to ensure the success of the transplant. We also follow up with patients regularly after the procedure to ensure adherence to the treatment plan and to closely monitor kidney function.' Regarding living donors, Dr. Al Hinnawi noted that they undergo meticulous evaluations, including assessment of the kidneys, functional testing, and screening for any infectious or cancerous conditions, in addition to psychological and social assessments. He added that all cases are reviewed by a multidisciplinary medical committee to determine donor eligibility, ensuring the highest levels of safety for both donor and recipient. A Lifeline for Patients in Need Al Jalila Foundation continues to welcome donations through A'awen, offering individuals and organizations the opportunity to fund life-changing programs that enhance well-being and provide essential medical care. The first edition of the campaign was launched in April 2021 in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper. The second edition took place in September 2024 and concluded in December of the same year, as part of a collaboration between the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Al Jalila Foundation, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper. Transplant surgeries were conducted in partnership with Dubai Health's Dubai Hospital and Al Jalila Children's Hospital, alongside Mediclinic City Hospital and King's College Hospital London in Dubai. Stories of Hope Yousef's New Beginning Among the beneficiaries of the campaign, is the child Yousef Jashim, who underwent a kidney transplant with the support of Al Jalila Foundation. Yousef suffered from constant fatigue and recurring pain and was undergoing regular dialysis sessions that significantly affected his daily life and imposed strict dietary restrictions. When he turned fourteen, the doctors informed his family of the necessity of a kidney transplant as an essential step in his treatment journey. Al Jalila Foundation's support was instrumental, helping the family cover the cost of the surgery. Following the transplant, Yousef's life transformed. He regained his energy and no longer required dialysis. His mother expressed deep gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation, the medical teams involved in his care, and the wider community whose support helped save her son's life. Roula's Healing Journey Roula Tabba'a is also among the beneficiaries of the campaign, following a long journey with kidney failure. She underwent dialysis three times a week, which caused severe physical and emotional exhaustion. Her condition was first diagnosed in 2016, and she underwent several surgeries. Al Jalila Foundation covered the cost of her dialysis sessions and medical tests, eventually supporting her inclusion in the kidney transplant program. After years of waiting, Roula received a life-changing call from the medical team confirming that she had been approved for the procedure. Thanks to the dedication of the medical staff, the transplant was successful. Her life was completely transformed following the surgery, she no longer needed dialysis and regained her ability to move freely, travel, and live independently. Roula expressed her deep gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation, saying its support not only saved her life, but also restored hope and stability for her entire family.
The National
4 days ago
- The National
'Nothing short of a miracle': Baby Ahmed youngest in UAE to get liver transplant
A five-month-old Emirati boy has become the youngest in the country to receive a liver transplant after an aunt's lifesaving donation. Ahmed Yahya's liver was failing because of a rare genetic condition. As doctors appealed for a suitable living donor, time was running out for Ahmed until his 36-year-old aunt volunteered to help. Parents Yahya and Zainab Al Yassi had experienced tragedy before, when their first son succumbed to a similar condition. Ahmed's fight depended on the good fortune of finding a genetic match to ensure his 4.4kg body would not reject a donor organ. Now, to mark World Organ Donation Day on August 13, Ahmed's family and the doctors are talking about the operations that saved his life. 'I still remember the pain when we lost our first son to liver disease,' said Mr Al Yassi. 'When we heard our second son had a similar problem, I thought this was our destiny. But the doctors gave us new hope. And my sister-in-law, she gave us life again. My baby's recovery is nothing short of a miracle.' Unbreakable bond Ahmed's aunt, who had never considered becoming a donor, immersed herself in research and discussions with the transplant team. 'I read everything I could find,' she said. 'I realised that donating part of my liver could save his life, and I knew I had to do it. It's a bond that nothing in this world can break.' Doctors first raised concern when they recorded high liver enzymes shortly after Ahmed was born. Doctors at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) diagnosed him with an ATP6AP1-related congenital disorder of glycosylation, a disorder so rare there are fewer than 25 known cases worldwide. Ahmed's aunt – the wife of his father's brother – volunteered and discovered she was a perfect match. Doctors rushed both to surgery. Ahmed, and his brother, were named in honour of their grandfather, who died in 2010 from liver disease. As Ahmed was so young, the procedure proved to be one of the most technically challenging paediatric surgeries conducted in the Gulf region, said doctors who performed the surgery in April. 'This disease is a severe, multisystem condition that particularly affects the liver,' said Dr Johns Shaji Mathew, abdominal transplant and hepato pancreatico biliary surgeon at BMC. 'In Ahmed's case, the disorder was progressing rapidly towards liver failure. Given the rarity of the condition, there were no clear answers, only tough questions. Yet we had to act.' Rare condition Congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) affect the healthy function of cells. A chemical malfunction results in a number of serious health problems such as liver disease, abnormal bleeding, seizures and heart problems. Doctors prepared a graft from the donor to fit Ahmed. In total, the complex surgery took 12 hours. Despite the high-risk nature of the operation and the boy's fragile condition, the surgery was a success. Ahmed began feeding within days, and his liver function was excellent. He now belongs to about two dozen survivors through transplantation. 'In an infant this tiny, every structure is delicate beyond imagination, each vessel was thinner than a matchstick, and the margin for error was virtually zero,' said Dr Gourab Sen, director of transplant surgery at the Burjeel Abdominal Multi-Organ Transplant Programme. 'The surgery required not only technical expertise but constant focus, as we were working in millimetres, sometimes even fractions of a millimetre. 'It is not just a surgical procedure, it is micromillimetre craftsmanship performed under extreme pressure, with every member of the team synchronising perfectly to keep the child stable throughout.' Since the launch of Hayat – the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue – in 2017, a total of 1,090 organ transplants have been performed across the Emirates until 2024, with 290 during the past year alone. The 2024 list included seven heart transplants, 142 kidney transplants, 117 liver transplants, 22 lung transplants, and two pancreas transplants. Inspirational story These achievements are made possible by four leading transplant centres, including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Burjeel Medical City (BMC), and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC). Mr Al Yassi said he hoped his son's success may encourage more people to consider becoming organ donors. 'We were once a family living in fear of losing another child, but now we are celebrating a second chance at life,' he said. 'I hope our story inspires others to come forward, to learn more, and to consider becoming donors. You never know whose life you might change.'
