
HMC achieves milestone with first successful transfusion using Frozen Packed Red Blood Cells
The patient, diagnosed with Thalassemia Major and multiple immunohematological challenges, responded exceptionally well to the transfusion. There were no adverse reactions, and the patient showed marked clinical improvement, including stabilized hemoglobin levels, enhanced organ function, and overall wellbeing.
This achievement was made possible through the use of cryopreserved blood from HMC's newly established frozen PRBC inventory. Cryopreserved red blood cells are specially processed and stored at ultra-low temperatures, enabling long-term preservation - up to 30 years - of rare and hard-to-match blood types.
Before transfusion, these units are carefully thawed and washed to remove the cryoprotective agent, allowing for a safer and more precise match for patients with rare blood groups or antibodies.
Dr Einas Al Kuwari, Chair of Clinical Services DLMP at HMC, said this was a significant step forward in providing cutting edge treatments for patients. 'This milestone reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge medical services,' Dr Al Kuwari said.
'The ability to provide frozen PRBCs addresses long-standing challenges in transfusion medicine, particularly for patients with rare or complex immunohematological profiles. It ensures that life-saving blood support is available precisely when needed, with maximum safety'.
'The successful implementation of this transfusion marks a major step forward in personalized and precision-based transfusion therapy in Qatar,' Dr Al Kuwari said. 'It underscores HMC's role as a regional leader in innovative, patient-centered healthcare solutions.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
Referral process monitored for equitable patient distribution
The referral process is closely monitored to ensure equitable distribution of patients and the efficient use of healthcare resources. Referrals are facilitated through a secure electronic platform, ensuring confidentiality and seamless data exchange with the private hospitals. Eligible patients are contacted to obtain their consent before the referral is initiated. Once consent is given, the referral is transmitted securely via the platform. Additionally, selected physicians at the participating private hospitals have been granted limited, secure access to patients' medical files at HMC to support continuity of care. Patients may also request their medical reports from HMC when needed to assist in treatment decisions at the referral facility. Al Naimi highlighted that this referral initiative initially began with The View Hospital and has now expanded to include five private hospitals. Al Naimi expressed confidence that the program will significantly enhance the treatment experience for Qatari citizens.


Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
Private hospital referrals cover all specialties and treatments: HMC official
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has revealed that the partnership agreement it recently signed with four leading private hospitals to refer Qatari patients with long waiting times at HMC facilities includes all medical specialties and procedures, with HMC covering the full cost of treatment. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Nasser Al Naimi, Chief of Patient Experience at HMC and Director of the Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute, said the agreement aims to ensure timely access to high-quality healthcare for Qatari patients. He stressed that the referral programme encompasses all specialties and medical procedures. Each referral is individually assessed to ensure that the private hospital has the necessary expertise and facilities, guaranteeing optimal care for the patient. Al Naimi explained that the referrals include all services related to the patient's case, such as surgical procedures (if required), laboratory tests, radiology, physiotherapy, and other treatments, in accordance with the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan. Earlier this month, HMC signed a partnership agreement with four top private hospitals in Qatar: Al Ahli Hospital, Al Emadi Hospital, Aman Hospital, and Doha Clinic Hospital. The agreement is designed to improve access to healthcare services for Qatari citizens, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall patient experience. Under this agreement, Qatari patients facing long waiting periods at HMC clinics and departments will be referred to these private hospitals for expedited appointments and care. Al Naimi noted that the programme targets all Qatari patients with prolonged wait times, with priority given to those waiting over two weeks for an appointment or more than a month to see a doctor. He emphasised that referred patients will not bear any costs, as HMC fully covers all treatment expenses associated with the referral. The referral process is closely monitored to ensure equitable distribution of patients and the efficient use of healthcare resources. Referrals are facilitated through a secure electronic platform, ensuring confidentiality and seamless data exchange with the private hospitals. Eligible patients are contacted to obtain their consent before the referral is initiated. Once consent is given, the referral is transmitted securely via the platform. Additionally, selected physicians at the participating private hospitals have been granted limited, secure access to patients' medical files at HMC to support continuity of care. Patients may also request their medical reports from HMC when needed to assist in treatment decisions at the referral facility. Al Naimi highlighted that this referral initiative initially began with The View Hospital and has now expanded to include five private hospitals. This reflects a strategic shift toward leveraging the private healthcare sector's capabilities in the interest of improving patient care. He concluded by noting that the success of this initiative is being measured through key performance indicators such as reduced waiting times, patient satisfaction with the referral process, and continuity of care. Al Naimi expressed confidence that the program will significantly enhance the treatment experience for Qatari citizens.


Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
HMC launches Lbaih app to facilitate access to medical services
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has launched its new mobile application, 'Lbaih,' which aims to facilitate patients' access to medical services and improve their treatment experience. The new Lbaih app is a strategic step toward promoting digital transformation in the healthcare sector. It supports the country's efforts to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build an integrated health system based on technology and innovation. The app enables patients to easily access a variety of medical services, in line with the national drive to improve the quality of life for individuals and develop the country's smart infrastructure. It offers users a variety of services, including viewing their medical appointments, requesting rescheduling or canceling them directly, and accessing their medical records easily and reliably. They can access essential health data, such as vital signs, lab test results, and prescriptions. Users can also receive appointment reminders and important alerts if in-app notifications are enabled. The app can be downloaded on smartphones and has been designed in a simplified manner to ensure ease of use for all categories, while providing a unified experience for patients across HMC's various hospitals and facilities. To ensure secure access to the app, registration is done using the Qatar National Authentication ID, with the option to enable fingerprint or facial recognition to facilitate subsequent login. Chief Medical Officer of HMC Dr Khalid Mohammed Al Jalham said that the app represents a qualitative shift in the way healthcare is delivered, as part of HMC's ongoing efforts to enhance the patient experience and improve the overall quality of healthcare. He added that the HMC seeks, by employing AI and innovative technologies, to facilitate access to healthcare services and ensure patients support, communicate with the healthcare system, and have access to their health data throughout their treatment journey. For his part, HMC's Chief of Patient Experience and Director of Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute Nasser Al Naimi, said in a similar statement to QNA that the Lbaih app represents an important step in enhancing access to healthcare and making the healthcare experience easier and more convenient. It provides patients with direct control over their treatment process, making them active partners in healthcare, with immediate access to their medical information from anywhere, at any time, with a high level of privacy and security. This contributes to a smoother and more efficient treatment journey. HMC invited the public to download the app and benefit from its various services, which will improve their healthcare experience while also enabling them to manage their healthcare flexibly and effectively.