Latest news with #BurjeelCancerInstitute
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Burjeel reports 129% increase in Q2 net profit, revenue grows 18.7%
UAE - Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare services provider in MENA, has delivered a strong top-line growth of 18.7% to AED1,403 million ($381.98 million) in Q2 2025, driven by a 12.1% increase in patient footfall, higher patient yield, and the continued ramp-up of newly launched facilities across the network. Revenue in H1'25 rose 12.2% to AED2,677 million, with total patient visits reaching 3.4 million, the healthcare provider said. EBITDA rose 59.4% to AED306 million in Q2 2025, fueled by strong revenue growth, enhanced physician productivity, and better performance across recently ramped-up assets. This includes AED72 million in gains from lease liability derecognition following the Dubai Medeor Hospital acquisition. The EBITDA margin expanded 5.6 p.p. to 21.8%. In H1'25, EBITDA increased 14.2% to AED487 million, with a margin of 18.2%. Net profit surged 128.9% to AED148 million ($40.29 million) in Q2' 2025, reflecting margin expansion, enhanced operating leverage, and asset optimization. In H1'25, net profit rose 10.6% to AED187 million. Specialised Services, expansion Burjeel Holdings accelerated its strategic execution in Q2 2025 with a series of high-impact initiatives that deepened specialisation and broadened patient access. The group expanded its advanced oncology network, integrating Dubai's Advanced Care Oncology Center and opening new Burjeel Cancer Institute (BCI) clinics in Al Ain, Sharjah, and Oman, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in complex cancer care. The UAE's first dedicated cancer pharmacy was also inaugurated, strengthening oncology support infrastructure. In parallel, Burjeel launched a regional mental health platform through its joint venture Alkalma, opening four specialist mental health centers across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This marked the first phase of a multi-year expansion strategy aimed at addressing rising demand for mental wellness services. In Saudi Arabia, the Group acquired a major physiotherapy facility in Riyadh under the PhysioTherabia platform, adding scale and unlocking turnaround potential through secured government contracts. Investments in operational resilience and access continued with the AED170 million acquisition of the Medeor Hospital Dubai building, converting long-term lease obligations into ownership and enhancing cost structure flexibility. The group also expanded its primary care footprint with a new medical center launched on Saadiyat Island, aligning with its growth strategy in high-yield urban catchments. In medical innovation, Burjeel launched Docktour, a transformative healthcare logistics joint venture with AD Ports Group, aiming to redefine how medical services and infrastructure are delivered to underserved and remote communities. Several specialised centers were introduced, including the region's first Al Muderis Osseointegration Clinic for advanced limb reconstruction, a state-of-the-art Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, and expanded capabilities in rare diseases, hematology, and metabolic research. Additionally, the Group continued its digital transformation with AI-powered diagnostics and led groundbreaking research in microgravity, aiming to transform care for patients with diabetes in space and on Earth. John Sunil, Chief Executive Officer of Burjeel Holdings, said: 'The second quarter delivered exceptionally strong results, with 19% revenue growth driven by a 12% increase in patient footfall and improved yield. EBITDA rose by 59%, accompanied by a margin uplift to 22%. This robust performance significantly strengthened the first-half outcome, underscoring Burjeel Holdings' resilience and long-term sustainable growth. 'These results reflect tangible progress in key operational areas such as physician manpower optimization, formulary management, and cost control, while our strategic focus on super-specialty care is beginning to yield measurable benefits, enhancing both revenue and profitability. We continue to invest in high-value services and next-generation care facilities to support long-term momentum. 'We also advanced key strategic priorities, reinforcing leadership in complex care across oncology, transplants, fertility, mental health, and diagnostics. Our oncology platform is now the UAE's largest private network, featuring new cancer clinics and cell and gene therapy capabilities. The Alkalma mental health platform is scaling regionally, alongside rehabilitation services through over 30 PhysioTherabia centers in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we introduced the region's first Osseointegration Clinic for cutting-edge prosthetic care. 'In parallel with expanding our network of primary care and medical centers, we deepened partnerships with government and corporate stakeholders and accelerated digital integration through Oracle Health EMR and AI-powered tools. Building on this platform, we entered into pivotal partnerships in oncology, value-based care, diagnostics, and international healthcare innovation, establishing the Group as the healthcare partner of choice. 'Burjeel Holdings is uniquely positioned to capture significant opportunities across the region, supported by rising demand for complex care and a growing population. Our focus remains on converting recent investments into sustained expansion and margin improvement, while maintaining disciplined financial management to support long-term shareholder value. Net profit growth of 129% in the reporting quarter reinforces this trajectory and strengthens the foundation for consistent shareholder returns.' Growth drivers Oncology remained a core growth driver, with revenue rising 36.7% in Q2'25 and 38.1% in H1'25, underpinned by oncology network expansion and improved conversion in surgical and advanced therapies. Other specialties also recorded solid gains in H1'25, including urology (+18%), emergency medicine (+17%), cardiology (+16%), and gastroenterology (+13%). Inpatient footfall rose 17.7% in Q2'25, reflecting strong demand across key specialties and a ramp-up in elective surgeries post-Ramadan. The group performed 22,930 surgeries, up 18.7%, with momentum concentrated at Burjeel Medical City, Burjeel Specialty Hospital Sharjah, Lifecare Hospital Musaffah and Burjeel Royal Hospital Al Ain. Bed occupancy improved to 69%, up from 65% a year ago, and averaged 69% in H1'25. Inpatient volumes rose 14.6% over the first half. Outpatient footfall grew 12.0% in Q2'25, accelerating from 5.2% in Q1, driven by primary care and physiotherapy centers, along with robust demand in oncology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and family medicine. Utilization improved to 68%, up from 65% in Q1'25, enabled by optimized hiring and scaling of clinical teams. Leading facilities included Burjeel Medical City, Lifecare Hospital Baniyas, and Burjeel Day Surgery Center Barari. In H1'25, outpatient volumes increased 8.6%.
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
A silent disease: Prostate cancer among the 5 most common cancers in UAE, doctors warn
Prostate cancer is among the five most common cancers affecting men in the UAE, yet doctors say many men still avoid check-ups due to fear, stigma, or simply neglecting their health. According to Dr Mohamad Azzam Ziade, a medical oncologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Al Qusais, prostate cancer is strongly linked to ageing and is expected to become more prevalent in the UAE as the population grows older. 'Globally, around 95 per cent of prostate cancer patients are over the age of 50. In the UAE too, it is one of the top five cancers among men,' he said. Prof Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute and President of the Emirates Oncology Society, said that it is one of the most common cancers in Emirati men over the age of 50. 'Yet, early detection rates remain low, especially compared to Western countries,' said Prof Al Shamsi. Why are men not getting screened? Doctors point to a mix of factors as to why men don't get screened. 'It is because of lack of awareness, cultural taboos around male health, fear of being diagnosed, and the belief that medical visits can be postponed,' said Prof Al Shamsi. Dr Ziade said that men are often too busy with work and under stress, so they don't pay attention to their health. 'Men's health is often ignored,' said Dr Ziade. Oncologists said that many patients come for help only after symptoms have developed often when the disease is already in an advanced stage. 'There's still a stigma around male health issues and urogenital exams,' said Prof Al Shamsi. He also stressed that even doctors sometimes miss the importance of encouraging routine screening, which adds to the problem. Is the exam painful? One of the main reasons men delay or avoid screening is the fear of the prostate exam being painful. But doctors say that concern is mostly unfounded. 'You may feel pressure or discomfort, but it should not hurt,' said Dr Ziade. 'The process takes only a few minutes.' Prof Al Shamsi added that the initial screening is usually just a simple blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen), which measures PSA levels in the blood. In some cases, it may be followed by a digital rectal exam (DRE), which also lasts less than a minute and is not painful, though it can be slightly uncomfortable. He advised that men should begin discussing screening with their doctor at age 50, or earlier at 45 if they have a family history or higher risk factors. If PSA levels are normal, the test can be repeated every one to two years. Symptoms to watch out for Prostate cancer is often called a silent disease because it usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. 'When symptoms appear, they may include frequent urination, especially at night, blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, bone pain, or even bowel issues,' said Dr Ziade. Prof Al Shamsi added that a weak urine stream or difficulty urinating are also warning signs, along with pain in the hips, back, or pelvis if the cancer has spread. A warning and a hope Doctors shared patient stories that highlight the importance of early screening. Dr Ziade is currently treating a 77-year-old man who was diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Thanks to continuous androgen deprivation therapy, his condition is now stable and in remission, with no active signs of cancer. However, he also has Parkinson's disease, which slightly affects his daily life. In another case, Prof Al Shamsi described a 56-year-old Emirati man who had no symptoms but decided to go for a routine health check-up. A slightly elevated PSA level led to further tests, and localised prostate cancer was detected early. He underwent robotic surgery and has since returned to full health, with no recurrence. 'Unfortunately, not all stories end like this,' said Prof Al Shamsi. 'We also see men coming in with severe bone pain, only to discover that the cancer has already spread. These cases require lifelong treatment.' Doctors are urging men to take control of their health, start screening early, speak up about concerns, and don't wait until symptoms appear. 'Early detection can save lives. We have the tools. What we need is awareness and action,' said Prof Al Shamsi.
Arabian Business
12-05-2025
- Health
- Arabian Business
Cholesterol drugs linked to 61% lower death risk in blood cancer, study shows
A groundbreaking study led by researchers from the University of Sharjah and the Burjeel Cancer Institute , in collaboration with prestigious international partners, has uncovered promising new evidence that statin medications – commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol – may significantly improve survival rates in patients with certain types of blood cancer. The study revealed that patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who were taking statins at the start of modern targeted therapy such as ibrutinib were 61 per cent less likely to die from cancer, 38 per cent less likely to die from any cause, and 26 per cent less likely to experience disease progression. Statins boost cancer survival Notably, statin use was not associated with an increased risk of severe side effects, supporting its safety profile in this context. The study, led by Dr. Ahmad Abuhelwa, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Therapeutics at the University of Sharjah, brought together expertise from Burjeel Cancer Institute (UAE), Harvard University, Moffitt Cancer Center (USA), and Flinders University (Australia). Dr. Abuhelwa, the study's lead author, said this is the first systematic evaluation of the link between statin use and survival outcomes in patients with CLL or SLL receiving modern targeted therapies. 'Our study analysed data from 1,467 patients enrolled in four international clinical trials conducted between 2012 and 2019. 'The results highlight a strong association between statin use and improved survival, opening the door for future research that could ultimately benefit patients around the world,' he said. Dr. Abuhelwa, however, cautioned: 'While these results are highly encouraging, we cannot recommend statins as a cancer treatment based on this study alone, as it is observational and does not establish causality.' 'We need future clinical trials to confirm whether statins can be used as a supportive treatment in this setting,' he said. Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of the Burjeel Cancer Institute and co-author of the study, said as oncologists, they are always looking for safe and effective ways to improve patient survival. 'This study raises an exciting possibility – that a well-known and widely used medication like statins could enhance treatment outcomes without introducing additional risks,' he said. Dr. Karem Alzoubi, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Sharjah, said this outstanding research reflects their faculty's dedication to producing impactful scientific studies that address pressing healthcare challenges and contribute to innovative solutions for complex diseases like cancer. The findings of the study, which was published in the prestigious medical journal Blood Advances, have captured the attention of leading global media outlets, including The Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Independent, Associated Press, and Medscape. The findings have also been translated into several languages, including Spanish, Polish, Bulgarian, and Japanese, reflecting their broad international reach and impact.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Cholesterol-lowering drugs show promise in blood cancer survival, study finds
SHARJAH: A groundbreaking study led by researchers from the University of Sharjah and the Burjeel Cancer Institute, in collaboration with prestigious international partners, has uncovered promising new evidence that statin medications—commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol—may significantly improve survival rates in patients with certain types of blood cancer. The study, led by Dr. Ahmad Abuhelwa, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Therapeutics at the University of Sharjah, brought together expertise from Burjeel Cancer Institute (UAE), Harvard University, Moffitt Cancer Center (USA), and Flinders University (Australia). The study revealed that patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who were taking statins at the start of modern targeted therapy (such as ibrutinib) were 61 percent less likely to die from cancer, 38 percent less likely to die from any cause, and 26 percent less likely to experience disease progression. Notably, statin use was not associated with an increased risk of severe side effects, supporting its safety profile in this context. Dr. Karem Alzoubi, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Sharjah, commented, 'This outstanding research reflects our faculty's dedication to producing impactful scientific studies that address pressing healthcare challenges and contribute to innovative solutions for complex diseases like cancer.' He added, 'The University of Sharjah places the highest importance on supporting scientific research, offering advanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art laboratories that enable our researchers to conduct world-class studies. The university also actively fosters collaboration with leading research institutions around the world, which helps promote knowledge exchange and elevate the quality of research outputs.' Dr. Ahmad Abuhelwa, the study's lead author, explained, 'This is the first systematic evaluation of the link between statin use and survival outcomes in patients with CLL or SLL receiving modern targeted therapies. Our study analyzed data from 1,467 patients enrolled in four international clinical trials conducted between 2012 and 2019. The results highlight a strong association between statin use and improved survival, opening the door for future research that could ultimately benefit patients around the world.' However, Dr. Abuhelwa cautioned, 'While these results are highly encouraging, we cannot recommend statins as a cancer treatment based on this study alone, as it is observational and does not establish causality. We need future clinical trials to confirm whether statins can be used as a supportive treatment in this setting'. Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of the Burjeel Cancer Institute and co-author of the study, commented, 'As oncologists, we are always looking for safe and effective ways to improve patient survival. This study raises an exciting possibility—that a well-known and widely used medication like statins could enhance treatment outcomes without introducing additional risks.' The findings of the study, which was published in the prestigious medical journal Blood Advances, have captured the attention of leading global media outlets, including The Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Independent, Associated Press, and Medscape. The findings have also been translated into several languages, including Spanish, Polish, Bulgarian, and Japanese, reflecting their broad international reach and impact.
Sharjah 24
11-05-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Breakthrough study from UOS, BCI attracts global attention
The study, led by Dr Ahmad Abuhelwa, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Therapeutics at the University of Sharjah, brought together expertise from Burjeel Cancer Institute (UAE), Harvard University, Moffitt Cancer Center (USA), and Flinders University (Australia). Study The study revealed that patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who were taking statins at the start of modern targeted therapy (such as ibrutinib) were 61% less likely to die from cancer, 38% less likely to die from any cause, and 26% less likely to experience disease progression. Notably, statin use was not associated with an increased risk of severe side effects, supporting its safety profile in this context. Dr. Karem Alzoubi, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Sharjah, commented: 'This outstanding research reflects our faculty's dedication to producing impactful scientific studies that address pressing healthcare challenges and contribute to innovative solutions for complex diseases like cancer.' He added: 'The University of Sharjah places the highest importance on supporting scientific research, offering advanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art laboratories that enable our researchers to conduct world-class studies. The university also actively fosters collaboration with leading research institutions around the world, which helps promote knowledge exchange and elevate the quality of research outputs.' Dr. Ahmad Abuhelwa, the study's lead author, explained, 'This is the first systematic evaluation of the link between statin use and survival outcomes in patients with CLL or SLL receiving modern targeted therapies. Our study analyzed data from 1,467 patients enrolled in four international clinical trials conducted between 2012 and 2019. The results highlight a strong association between statin use and improved survival, opening the door for future research that could ultimately benefit patients around the world.' Dr Abuhelwa cautioned, however: 'While these results are highly encouraging, we cannot recommend statins as a cancer treatment based on this study alone, as it is observational and does not establish causality. We need future clinical trials to confirm whether statins can be used as a supportive treatment in this setting'. Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of the Burjeel Cancer Institute and co-author of the study, commented, 'As oncologists, we are always looking for safe and effective ways to improve patient survival. This study raises an exciting possibility—that a well-known and widely used medication like statins could enhance treatment outcomes without introducing additional risks.' Findings The findings of the study, which was published in the prestigious medical journal Blood Advances, have captured the attention of leading global media outlets, including The Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Independent, Associated Press, and Medscape. The findings have also been translated into several languages, including Spanish, Polish, Bulgarian, and Japanese, reflecting their broad international reach and impact.
