Latest news with #DrShamsheerVayalil
Emirates 24/7
28-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil Announces AED 4 Million Worth of Next-Gen Prosthetics for Amputees in Need
Cutting-edge osseointegration surgeries to be provided at Abu Dhabi's Burjeel Medical City through a newly launched clinic led by world-class experts. In a landmark initiative aimed at helping amputees affected by trauma and conflict regain mobility with dignity and confidence, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, has announced the funding of 10 advanced prosthetic surgeries for underprivileged individuals. The announcement, made during the launch of the Al Muderis Osseointegration Clinic at Burjeel Medical City (BMC), represents a commitment of AED 4 million toward improving the quality of life for those living with limb loss. Osseointegration surgeries, introduced to the Middle East for the first time through this initiative, will be offered to the most deserving individuals. The procedures will be performed by Prof. Dr. Munjed Al Muderis, a renowned orthopedic surgeon recognized globally for his expertise in this cutting-edge field. 'We are fortunate to work under the most kind, generous, and purposeful leadership we've ever seen. They are fast thinkers and even faster movers—none of this would have been possible without that vision. In the Year of the Community, it is our responsibility to support those who need advanced care and help bring them back to normal life. I believe we'll do many more cases, but when it begins with a touch of generosity, we've already succeeded,' said Dr. Shamsheer. Inspired by Survivors: The Story of Sham and Omar This initiative was inspired by the courage of two young Syrian siblings—Sham and her older brother Omar—who were rescued from the rubble of their home after a devastating earthquake in Syria. Suffering traumatic injuries and limb loss, they were brought to the UAE under the humanitarian directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and Honorary President of the Emirates Red Crescent. BMC became their home for complex surgeries and intensive rehabilitation. Deeply moved by their strength and vulnerability, Dr. Shamsheer was inspired to bring the world's best prosthetic solutions to the region. Determined to ensure that children like Sham and Omar—and many others affected by conflict or disaster—can walk again with dignity, he partnered with Prof. Dr. Munjed Al Muderis to establish a regional center of excellence for osseointegration. The goal: to make next-generation prosthetics not just available, but accessible to those who need them most. Al Muderis Clinic to Deliver Surgeries The surgeries will be performed at the newly launched Al Muderis Osseointegration Clinic at BMC. Established in collaboration with the Paley Middle East Clinic, the center introduces a transformative surgical technique that provides amputees with an advanced alternative to traditional socket-based prosthetics. Known as osseointegration, the procedure anchors a prosthetic limb directly to the patient's bone using a titanium implant. This results in significantly improved mobility, stability, and comfort, along with a shorter rehabilitation period. Beneficiaries will receive the Osseointegrated Prosthetic Limb (OPL) system, which integrates with the bone and extends through the skin to securely attach to an external prosthesis. This direct skeletal connection mimics natural limb movement and eliminates many of the limitations of conventional prosthetics. Unlike traditional prosthetics—which can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and joint complications—osseointegration offers a more intuitive, stable, and lifelike experience. The OPL also enables osseoperception, a phenomenon that allows users to regain sensory feedback through their prosthesis. 'Our goal has always been to restore mobility and dignity to amputees. By bringing this technology to the UAE, we're building local capabilities and offering hope to those who have waited too long for the right kind of care,' said Prof. Dr. Al Muderis, who has treated more than 1,200 patients worldwide using this technology. 'We hope Dr. Shamsheer's noble gesture will help restore mobility to the most deserving patients from all age groups. We are proud to begin offering such a unique service through a community-centric initiative.' Prof. Dr. Al Muderis—whose inspiring journey from fleeing Iraq as a refugee to becoming a globally respected surgeon is well known—emphasized the personal mission behind the clinic. 'Mobility is life,' he said. 'Our mission is to ensure that limb loss never defines or limits a person's future. Over the past decade, we pioneered the single-stage technique and adapted the technology for diabetic, vascular, pediatric, transtibial, and hip-disarticulation amputees. With this technology, we empower people with even the most complex injuries to reclaim their independence and quality of life.' A team of medical experts will identify the beneficiaries of the initiative based on clinical evaluation and medical needs. Further details will be announced soon. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Dh4 million gift: UAE doctor offers free surgeries after Syrian siblings lose limbs in quake
When a powerful earthquake hit Syria in 2022, it changed the lives of two young siblings forever. Sham and her older brother, Omar, were rescued from beneath the rubble of their collapsed home. Both suffered severe injuries and lost their limbs. They were brought to the UAE on the orders of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation. Doctors at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Abu Dhabi treated them, and after life-saving surgeries and months of care, the children began their journey to recovery. Their courage and strength inspired everyone around them, especially one UAE-based doctor, who felt motivated to launch a major new project to help others like Sham and Omar. Now, as part of a humanitarian initiative, Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, has announced that he will fund ten free, highly advanced prosthetic surgeries for underprivileged individuals. The announcement was made during the launch of the Al Muderis Osseointegration Clinic at Burjeel Medical City (BMC). The doctor has committed Dh4 million to enhancing the quality of life for those living with limb loss. These transformative surgeries will be offered free of charge at the newly established clinic. The clinic is headed by Prof Dr Munjed Al Muderis, a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon who has assisted over 1,200 amputees around the globe in walking again using a specialised technique known as osseointegration. "Losing a limb should not mean losing your independence," said Dr Al Muderis. 'Mobility is life. This technology gives people the chance to move freely again, with confidence and dignity." What makes this surgery different? Unlike traditional prosthetic limbs that attach using tight sockets, which often cause discomfort, skin irritation, and instability, osseointegration involves placing a titanium implant directly into the bone. This acts like a natural extension of the body. It not only provides more stable movement but also restores a sense called osseoperception, allowing patients to feel pressure and movement through the prosthetic, almost like a real limb. First-of-its-kind in the region This will be the first time these surgeries are offered in the Middle East, with the aim of reaching individuals who cannot afford these treatments independently. The surgeries will be carried out in partnership with the Paley Middle East clinic. A dedicated medical team is being formed to evaluate patients and support them through the recovery process. As part of the UAE's Year of the Community, the initiative focuses on helping people regain their independence and dignity, no matter their background. "This is just the beginning," said Dr Al Muderis. "There are so many amputees out there waiting for the right kind of help. We hope this step brings real hope, and real change, to their lives."
The National
23-05-2025
- Health
- The National
Burjeel aims to carry out more clinical trials in the UAE and boost cancer care
Abu Dhabi healthcare company Burjeel Holdings is aiming to do more clinical trials in the UAE, as it seeks to boost its oncology and paediatric services, its chairman has said. A total of 25 clinical trials have been either completed or are under way by the company. These include a multicentre study of the efficacy and safety of the drug Mitapivat for patients with thalassaemia, an inherited blood disorder, as well as trials in oncology. In April, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi also said it had successfully completed a clinical trial in collaboration with Swedish company Cellcolabs and Burjeel Holdings to evaluate cell-based therapies for degenerative joint diseases. 'Clinical trials are coming up – it's about seeing the opportunity, inviting pharma here, because clinical trials have never happened outside [the traditional hubs]. So we are opening up a new horizon,' Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, told The National at the Make it in the Emirates event in Abu Dhabi. 'But for that, you need the clinical strength … We have it now, and we are adding on to it. It's a constantly evolving process, but we have made a lot of progress,' Dr Vayalil added. There is already 'huge' global interest in the region, he said. Earlier in May, it was announced that the UAE will host the first clinical trials outside the US of a wireless brain chip made by tech billionaire Elon Musk's Neuralink company. The chip is designed to improve the lives of paralysed people. The Department of Health Abu Dhabi said it had teamed up with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Neuralink to launch the trial programme, known as UAE-PRIME. 'Health care should become a way of enabling the economy,' Dr Vayalil said. 'We want to improve the GDP. We want to bring clinical trials. We want to bring in research. We want to train doctors. We want this to become a mode of enabling an economy. 'We have interest in trials, we have interest in pharma, we have interest in innovation. So that's how we look at health care. I think health care should move more into solutions.' Burjeel Holdings this week also revealed more details of its healthcare logistics joint venture with AD Ports Group, called Docktour. The platform is focused on addressing Africa's healthcare challenges and will facilitate the deployment of modular healthcare units, including container-based hospitals and clinics. It will also help to set up full-service medical infrastructure, including field hospitals and permanent facilities. Docktour will also provide emergency response capabilities and support local capacity-building through clinical training. The joint venture will partner with national health ministries, international NGOs, and UAE-led humanitarian initiatives to provide services. 'I think this is going to be something that will disrupt [the market] … it's a local solution for a global problem,' Dr Vayalil said. 'What is the problem today? It is the reach, logistics, manpower. We work in remote sites. For us, the growth should come from deserving places as well, meaningful growth.' However, he also stressed that the company focuses on 'bankable projects' and that their plan with Docktour was long-term. 'I'm not too worried about where the bill will come. We are talking to various organisations. We are making a model which is very compulsive. We are going to show governments how they can save on the cost,' he said. Abu Dhabi-listed Burjeel Holding this month reported a 64 per cent drop in first quarter net profit attributable to shareholders to reach Dh36.37 million ($9.9 million), although revenue rose by 5.7 per cent to Dh1.27 billion. Revenue growth was driven by a 5.3 per cent annual increase in patient footfall. The company said it was hit by a 'number of operational challenges, with group performance impacted by a sharper-than-anticipated slowdown in March and delays in the conversion of complex care programmes'. The hiring of niche specialists is one reason that quarterly earnings were affected, Dr Vayalil said. 'You hire a hemato-oncologist, who is not a regular physician … he takes a while to settle down, the referral system needs to fall in place. So, we are deliberately taking certain decisions which are time-consuming, because if I only look at the balance sheet and [quarter to quarter], we're not going to be meaningful. We always say that it's the net result versus the Q-to-Q,' he said. The company is focusing heavily on cancer care and building the practice. In April, it partnered with US non-profit Caring Cross to locally manufacture CAR T-cell therapies at up to 90 per cent less than current international costs, estimated to range from $350,000 to more than $1 million. CAR-T therapies reprogramme a patient's immune cells to attack cancer cells and are being used to treat blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma. Caring Cross will support with the technology, materials and specialised training to establish a local system. 'We don't want to be a supermarket of health care, we want to be a boutique. Ultimately, we want to be known for certain things. Cancer is top of our stuff, as well as paediatrics,' Dr Vayalil said. The company is considering further expansion in Africa and other emerging markets, he said, but did not provide any specifics. Dr Vayalil also said Burjeel is focused on using technology to support physicians. 'We don't want to take a position of replacing the doctor,' he said. 'If you ask me about five-year growth, I would not be able to even define and tell you precisely, but if our execution ability would prevail, I think we will make lot of noise in the right direction.'
Arabian Business
20-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
AD Ports Group, Burjeel Holdings launch new healthcare logistics venture DOCKTOUR
AD Ports Group and Burjeel Holdings have launched a joint venture, DOCKTOUR, to deliver healthcare logistics services across Africa. The announcement took place at the 'Make it in the Emirates' event. The unveiling was held at the Burjeel Holdings booth, in the presence of Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings. DOCKTOUR is a supply chain platform that integrates logistics, modular infrastructure, training, and emergency response. UAE firms unite to deliver medical infrastructure across Africa through DOCKTOUR It will support Burjeel Holdings' subsidiary Operonix and will be backed by AD Ports Group's logistics infrastructure and market access in Africa. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: 'DOCKTOUR is about delivering impact where it's needed most. By combining our logistics strength with Burjeel's medical excellence, we are building a platform that can truly transform how healthcare is delivered in Africa. This is a practical, scalable solution to a growing need, and a reflection of our shared commitment to supporting resilient, community-focused healthcare systems across Africa, in line with our wise leadership vision.' DOCKTOUR will streamline supply chains and enable the deployment of container-based hospitals and clinics, field hospitals, and other facilities. It will also explore setting up medical offices in AD Ports Group's African locations, offering logistics services and supporting medical tourism. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, added: 'DOCKTOUR represents a new model of impact. It's a full-spectrum platform that integrates advanced clinical systems with logistics capability and operational scale. Our aim is to bring care, along with stability, readiness, and partnership, to the regions that need it most.' In line with the UAE's humanitarian goals, DOCKTOUR will support emergency response, deliver healthcare supplies, and provide clinical training. It will also implement data-driven logistics systems to reduce delays. The joint venture will engage with governments, regional health authorities, and humanitarian agencies. Through partnerships with national health ministries and NGOs, it will support disease response, recovery programmes, maternal and child care, immunisation, and mobile health education. Africa's growing population and projected GDP growth through 2027 have made the region a key focus for both entities. The venture aims to meet healthcare needs while contributing to long-term development. The name DOCKTOUR combines the words 'Dock', 'Tour', and 'Doctor', reflecting the project's purpose of delivering healthcare using AD Ports Group's fleet of vessels, terminal network, and logistics capabilities.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AD Ports Group, Burjeel launch healthcare logistics JV
UAE - AD Ports Group and Burjeel Holdings have officially launched their healthcare logistics joint venture (JV), Docktour, during Make it in the Emirates forum, now underway in Abu Dhabi. The platform was unveiled at the Burjeel Holdings booth, in the presence of Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group; and Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings. Docktour marks a bold expansion in healthcare logistics, aiming at redefining how medical services and infrastructure are delivered to communities across Africa. It will serve as a comprehensive supply chain platform—integrating logistics, modular infrastructure, training, and emergency response into a single, unified ecosystem, said a statement. Docktour will supplement Burjeel Holdings' operations and management subsidiary, Operonix, which has a proven track record in managing large-scale healthcare projects across Africa. The JV will be backed by AD Ports Group's extensive logistics infrastructure and broad presence in strategic markets across Africa. Leveraging the combined strengths of AD Ports Group and Burjeel Holdings' network of healthcare entities, Docktour is designed to address Africa's healthcare challenges through a logistics-led approach. The platform will streamline and modernise medical supply chains, facilitate the deployment of modular healthcare units—including container-based hospitals and clinics — and enable the establishment of full-service medical infrastructure, including field hospitals and permanent facilities. Captain Al Shamisi said: ' Docktour is about delivering impact where it's needed most. By combining our logistics strength with Burjeel's medical excellence, we are building a platform that can truly transform how healthcare is delivered in Africa. This is a practical, scalable solution to a growing need, and a reflection of our shared commitment to supporting resilient, community-focused healthcare systems across Africa, in line with our wise leadership vision.' In alignment with the UAE's humanitarian aid vision, Docktour will also provide robust emergency response capabilities by ensuring the timely delivery of critical healthcare logistics. Additionally, the platform will support local capacity-building through clinical training initiatives and implement data-driven inventory and logistics systems to minimise delays and bridge service gaps across the region. Dr Vayalil added: 'Docktour represents a new model of impact. It's a full-spectrum platform that integrates advanced clinical systems with logistics capability and operational scale. Our aim is to bring care, along with stability, readiness, and partnership, to the regions that need it most.' In addition to its core logistics role, Docktour will also explore the establishment of medical offices across AD Ports Group's areas of operation in Africa to support a range of healthcare-related services, including medical logistics and medical tourism. The JV will also assess evolving opportunities within the African markets with the aim of contributing to long-term, sustainable growth in the region's healthcare ecosystem. As Africa's population expands, the continent is becoming a key driver of global growth. With Sub-Saharan Africa's GDP projected to grow steadily through 2027, AD Ports Group and Burjeel Holdings are aligning their strengths to deliver healthcare solutions that meet urgent needs while supporting long-term economic and social development. Docktour will engage with governments, regional health authorities, and humanitarian agencies to deepen its impact. Through partnerships with national health ministries, international NGOs, and UAE-led humanitarian initiatives, it will facilitate the rapid mobilisation of logistics in emergencies, deliver critical care during disease outbreaks and post-crisis recovery, and support long-term community health programs. These efforts will include maternal and child care, immunisation campaigns, disease surveillance, and mobile health education. The name Docktour is inspired by the words 'dock', 'tour', and 'doctor', reflecting the JV's commitment to delivering agile, accessible, and world-class healthcare solutions, leveraging the integrated offerings of AD Ports Group, its global presence, operations across 34 terminals, as well as its capabilities including a fleet of 247 vessels and a global logistics network, the statement said. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
