Digital technologies transform UAE healthcare industry
A surge in these investments has led to the proliferation of digital health services, particularly in sectors such as telemedicine, data analytics, and AI-driven diagnostics, making these technologies accessible to large masses. 'The push for digital transformation aligns with the UAE's goals for enhanced healthcare accessibility, catering to an increasingly tech-savvy population,' Dr. Shanila Laiju, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres, said.
She highlighted how advancements in digital health technology have helped patients by enhancing accessibility, improving convenience, providing personalized care, empowering patients, and enhancing diagnostics. 'Platforms like Telemedicine and electronic medical records break down geographical barriers, allowing patients located in virtually any part of the world to consult with their preferred specialists without the need to physically visit the medical facility. Medcare's Telemedcare enables remote monitoring of patients' vital signs and symptoms, allowing for early intervention and improved care for chronic conditions,' she said.
Patients gain access to health information and tools that empower them to take a more active role in managing their health. AI-powered technologies analyze large databases to provide individualized treatment regimens, identify potential health risks, and provide personalized recommendations to patients. 'AI diagnostics, such as the Airdoc retina scanning machine, AI-enabled MRI and CT scans, and precision-focused robot-assisted surgeries, are becoming increasingly popular,' Laiju said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Web Release
3 days ago
- Web Release
Dubai emerges as a regional hub for gene therapy breakthroughs: Medcare leads the way in transforming lives of children with rare genetic diseases
Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as a hub for cutting-edge gene therapy, with Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital Al Qusais being at the forefront of treating rare genetic disorders such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). With the hospital's proximity to the Dubai International Airport, a growing number of patients from Turkey, and other countries in the region and beyond are traveling to Dubai for life changing treatments. Medcare has been redefining excellence in the field of paediatric neurology and gene-based therapies, pioneering a new era of hope and healing for families affected by such debilitating conditions. Turkish families are increasingly turning to Medcare for SMA treatments, with incidence rates in Turkey significantly higher than the global average. The hospital's state-of-the-art facilities, international medical expertise, and holistic treatment model position it as a Centre of Excellence for gene disorders, not just in the UAE but across the MENA and the Asia-Pacific regions. SMA, a rare neurodegenerative condition, causes progressive muscle weakness and often proves fatal in infancy if left untreated. In Turkey, SMA affects 1 in every 6,000 births compared to 1 in 10,000 globally[i]. According to the Turkish health authorities, there are currently over 3,000 people living with SMA, and about 150 new cases are diagnosed each year. DMD, another severe neuromuscular disorder, affects over 4,000 genetically confirmed patients in Turkey[ii]. Under the leadership of Dr. Vivek Mundada, a British Board-certified Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital has delivered remarkable outcomes in managing these complex genetic conditions. Unlike traditional therapies that require ongoing spinal injections, Medcare offers a one-time, potentially curative gene therapy that addresses the root cause of the condition, dramatically improving the quality of life and long-term health. Medcare is the first private healthcare provider outside the U.S.A. to successfully administer gene therapy for SMA in the MENA region, having delivered over 100 infusions to date at Medcare Women & Children Hospital. 'Dubai is becoming a center of medical innovation, and Medcare is proud to be leading that movement, especially in the field of rare genetic diseases,' said Dr. Vivek Mundada, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital. 'Through our comprehensive, patient-centered care model, we are transforming outcomes for children who previously had limited treatment options.' Medcare's approach goes beyond clinical excellence. Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team that includes experts in neurology, pulmonology, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and genetic counselling. The hospital also provides continuous follow-up care for international patients after they return home. Turkish families have already seen outstanding results. One such story is that of Mirha, diagnosed with SMA just nine days after she was born. In 2024, she underwent gene therapy at Medcare and is now thriving without the need for breathing or feeding support. Similarly, Elif Bade who was treated in March 2024 when she was just 2 years old, has shown remarkable progress following her gene therapy at Medcare. The parents of Mirha remarked, 'We cannot express enough gratitude to Dr. Mundada and the Medcare team. Thanks to the expert and compassionate care in Dubai, our daughter has been given a new lease on life.' Aligned with the UAE's vision to be a global hub for medical innovation and excellence, Medcare continues to invest in infrastructure, talent, and technology to offer best-in-class care. The newly launched rare disease unit at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Dubai offers AI-powered diagnostics, robotic surgery, and advanced quaternary care, reinforcing its leadership in rare disease management. As part of Aster DM Healthcare, Medcare is committed to expanding access to advanced medical care for international patients, while contributing to the UAE's growing medical tourism sector, where families seek top-tier, cost-effective care without long wait times, especially for critical and time-sensitive conditions like the rare genetic disorders. [i] Turkey vs. Zolgensma: the battle over a $2.1 million drug – SWI [ii] About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – DMD Aileleri (Turkey)
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Dubai emerges as a regional hub for gene therapy breakthroughs
Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital is pioneering treatments for rare diseases including Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, potentially saving young lives with a single treatment. Dubai – Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as a hub for cutting-edge gene therapy, with Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital Al Qusais being at the forefront of treating rare genetic disorders such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). With the hospital's proximity to the Dubai International Airport, a growing number of patients from Turkey, and other countries in the region and beyond are traveling to Dubai for life changing treatments. Medcare has been redefining excellence in the field of paediatric neurology and gene-based therapies, pioneering a new era of hope and healing for families affected by such debilitating conditions. Turkish families are increasingly turning to Medcare for SMA treatments, with incidence rates in Turkey significantly higher than the global average. The hospital's state-of-the-art facilities, international medical expertise, and holistic treatment model position it as a Centre of Excellence for gene disorders, not just in the UAE but across the MENA and the Asia-Pacific regions. SMA, a rare neurodegenerative condition, causes progressive muscle weakness and often proves fatal in infancy if left untreated. In Turkey, SMA affects 1 in every 6,000 births compared to 1 in 10,000 globally [i]. According to the Turkish health authorities, there are currently over 3,000 people living with SMA, and about 150 new cases are diagnosed each year. DMD, another severe neuromuscular disorder, affects over 4,000 genetically confirmed patients in Turkey [ii]. Under the leadership of Dr. Vivek Mundada, a British Board-certified Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital has delivered remarkable outcomes in managing these complex genetic conditions. Unlike traditional therapies that require ongoing spinal injections, Medcare offers a one-time, potentially curative gene therapy that addresses the root cause of the condition, dramatically improving the quality of life and long-term health. Medcare is the first private healthcare provider outside the U.S.A. to successfully administer gene therapy for SMA in the MENA region, having delivered over 100 infusions to date at Medcare Women & Children Hospital. 'Dubai is becoming a center of medical innovation, and Medcare is proud to be leading that movement, especially in the field of rare genetic diseases,' said Dr. Vivek Mundada, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital. 'Through our comprehensive, patient-centered care model, we are transforming outcomes for children who previously had limited treatment options.' Medcare's approach goes beyond clinical excellence. Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team that includes experts in neurology, pulmonology, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and genetic counselling. The hospital also provides continuous follow-up care for international patients after they return home. Turkish families have already seen outstanding results. One such story is that of Mirha, diagnosed with SMA just nine days after she was born. In 2024, she underwent gene therapy at Medcare and is now thriving without the need for breathing or feeding support. Similarly, Elif Bade who was treated in March 2024 when she was just 2 years old, has shown remarkable progress following her gene therapy at Medcare. The parents of Mirha remarked, 'We cannot express enough gratitude to Dr. Mundada and the Medcare team. Thanks to the expert and compassionate care in Dubai, our daughter has been given a new lease on life.' Aligned with the UAE's vision to be a global hub for medical innovation and excellence, Medcare continues to invest in infrastructure, talent, and technology to offer best-in-class care. The newly launched rare disease unit at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Dubai offers AI-powered diagnostics, robotic surgery, and advanced quaternary care, reinforcing its leadership in rare disease management. As part of Aster DM Healthcare, Medcare is committed to expanding access to advanced medical care for international patients, while contributing to the UAE's growing medical tourism sector, where families seek top-tier, cost-effective care without long wait times, especially for critical and time-sensitive conditions like the rare genetic disorders. About Medcare: Medcare is the premium private healthcare provider under the parent group, Aster DM Healthcare. Operating leading state-of-the-art Hospitals, including Medcare Multi-specialty Hospital in Dubai and Sharjah, Medcare Women & Children Hospital, Medcare Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital, and 20 medical centres in the UAE, Medcare has established a strong presence in the UAE. Medcare is dedicated to offering premium integrated health services in accordance with the highest quality. From talent to technology to facilities and treatment, Medcare maintains the highest possible standards in healthcare delivery. All Medcare hospitals and medical centres are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), which is considered the gold standard in global healthcare. Apart from this, Medcare facilities have won several certifications. What sets Medcare apart is its exceptional multi-cultural, multi-lingual team of doctors who have received extensive training from some of the top-notch medical institutes around the world. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the Medcare team provides optimal, evidence-based treatments to patients, with the support of trained nurses, dieticians, rehabilitation therapists and technologists. Living by its simple promise 'We'll Treat You Well', Medcare's team is fully committed to providing high-quality, personalized medical care to every patient. For more information on Medcare visit or follow @Medcareae For media queries, please contact: Akshara Suresh Watermelon Communications Dubai, U.A.E. Email – akshara@
Gulf News
17-04-2025
- Gulf News
Medcare Women & Children Hospital to host third annual Women & Children Health Symposium in Dubai
Medcare Women & Children Hospital (MWCH), a leading premium multi-speciality healthcare provider in the UAE dedicated to women & children health, will host the third edition of its annual Women & Children Health Symposium at the Great Ballroom of Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre on April 19, 2025. Themed Women's and Children's Health: Advancing Outcomes Through Surgical and Medical Synergy, this year's conference is anticipated to attract approximately 500 medical specialists from across the country and the region. Reinforcing Medcare's commitment to medical excellence and patient care, the Continuing Medical Education (CME)-accredited conference will feature 27 keynote presentations by leading voices in obstetrics, gynaecology, neonatology, paediatrics, endocrinology, genetics, and more. Across seven thematic forums, the day long symposium will feature speeches, and panel discussions, aimed at advancing healthcare practices for women and children. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, share insights, and explore innovative approaches to improving health outcomes in these critical areas. 'Our previous symposiums have set a high benchmark, and we are excited to build on that legacy with an expanded programme this year,' says Dr Shanila Laiju, Group CEO of Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres on the upcoming symposium. 'By curating a programme that bridges clinical innovation with real-world applicability, we aim to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration that enhances patient care across every stage of life, from pregnancy through infancy and beyond, raising standards in maternal and paediatric care,' she adds. The third annual Medcare Women & Children Health Symposium promises a comprehensive and diverse program of innovative discussions in the domains of women's and children's health. Key sessions in the women's health segment include women's health updates: cutting-edge breakthroughs in gynaecology and oncology, navigating women's health challenges across life stages, and modern obstetric advancements. These sessions will cover a variety of topics, ranging from hormonal disorders, obesity, thyroid and breast cancer, overactive bladder, fibroids, PCOS-related subfertility, new endometrial cancer staging, endometriosis, menopause, placenta previa and accreta, and instrumental deliveries. Dr Ahmed Abdelhameed, Medical Director of Medcare Women & Children Hospital and Medcare Medical Centres expresses his excitement about this year's symposium by saying: "We are so pleased to have attracted such a large number of medical professionals under one roof at our annual women & children health symposium. "This is a testament that medical professionals are always on the look out for scientific forums that will bring them up to speed with the latest medical practices and we are very proud to be a leader in women and child health and share our expertise with the region." The children's health programme, which would run concurrently, would include sessions on Evolving Paediatric Practices, Challenging Cases in Paediatric Care, and Unlocking the Secrets of Paediatric Nutrition. The symposium will cover developments in paediatric surgery, gastrointestinal, pulmonary medicine, neonatology, cardiology, and endocrinology. Primary topics of discussion will include early detection of congenital heart defects, severe constipation, paediatric liver failure, asthma, recurrent fever, sepsis, PICU emergencies, enteral and parenteral nutrition for preterm infants, childhood obesity, nutritional deficiencies, and cutting-edge gene therapy for rare conditions such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Both maternal and paediatric specialists will participate in sessions focused on foetal medicine, maternal-foetal neurology, anaesthesia in obstetrics, and updates on vaccines and immunisations, emphasising the interconnected nature of care for women and children. Since its beginning in 2023, the symposium has established itself as a premier platform for encouraging dialogues and driving innovation in maternity and paediatric healthcare. Building on the success of previous editions, which have already drawn over 800 healthcare professionals, the 2025 edition seeks to reach a wider demographic by bringing together prominent global and regional experts to highlight the most recent innovations in the area.
