Dubai, UAE, September 18, 2017:  In the absence of a concrete test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, doctors advice family members to be alert and watch out for symptoms so that patients can seek treatment and prevent late diagnosis. Keeping in mind that early management can help the patient and his caregiver make better management and plans of care Presently there is no one test to determine if a patient has Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common form of dementia. Currently, patients need to undergo a series of tests to ascertain whether they have  the disease. Subsequently, misdiagnosis or late diagnosis are the common issues. Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi, geriatrician and director of the Family Gathering Centre at DHA for elderly patients, says, “Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed through a complete ......read more

Biomedical Engineering Department recognized for world-class standards in the safe use of medical equipment UAE, Abu Dhabi, 17 September, 2017:  Healthpoint, the multi-specialty hospital in Abu Dhabi and part of Mubadala’s Healthcare network, has become the first hospital in the UAE to be awarded the ‘Certificate for Best Practice in Patient Safety’, after achieving an accreditation from the Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI). The facility has been recognized for developing and implementing a solid infrastructure, to ensure the highest standards of medical safety and patient care across all its clinical practices.    ECRI is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that develops and administers accreditation programs to ensure hospitals reach the desired quality of care ......read more

World Arthritis Day 2017 provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis Dubai, UAE – 16th September 2017 – The Middle East Arthritis Foundation (MEAF) today reaffirmed its support to people living with arthritis, as World Arthritis Day is fast approaching and will be recognized globally on October 12th.   Concurrent with this year’s global theme – ‘Don’t Delay, Connect Today’ – the Foundation will host its annual UAE event for families and carers on Friday, October 13th, 2017 at the Shangri-la hotel, Dubai to raise awareness of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to encourage physical activity amongst people in the community.  With arthritis affecting millions of people worldwide and one in five people in the UAE, it is ......read more

The 24-year old Omani woman was brought to RAK Hospital from home country suffering from severe abdominal pain, fever and nausea Post a complicated laparoscopic surgery at the Hospital, the patient was back on her feet within days Post-delivery abdominal pain, if persistent, could indicate complications and should be addressed quickly, advises doctor    September 12, 2017; Ras Al Khaimah, UAE:  Persistent abdominal pain in women in postpartum stage could be a life-threatening sign if not addressed at the earliest, warn doctors at RAK Hospital. Citing the example of a recent surgery conducted at the hospital, Dr Anup Kumar Panigrahi, Specialist and Head of Department, Minimal Access Surgery, RAK Hospital, cautioned women to consult a doctor if such discomfort continues or becomes unbearable.    A ......read more

September 11, 2017 – Dubai , United Arab Emirates:   Aster DM Healthcare won the prestigious annual ‘Gulf Business Award 2017’ for the ‘Healthcare Company of the Year’ category. Ms. Alisha Moopen, Executive Director & CEO  - Hospital & Clinics in GCC, Aster DM Healthcare, received the Award in a in a dazzling award ceremony held at Fairmont The Palm Hotel in Dubai on 10th September 2017,  in the presence of the region’s  prominent  business leaders and  top executives . The awards instituted by Motivate – judged by an independent panel and public voting – sought to celebrate excellence in the corporate world and recognize  leaders across nine industries.  Speaking on the occasion Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman & Managing ......read more

Dubai, UAE, September 9, 2017:  The 2nd Emirates International Conference in Radionuclide Therapy and Theransotics  organized by the department of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging at Dubai hospital-Dubai health authority is taking place from September 8 to 10. The conference is the first activity in the Middle East region and will discuss the treatment and diagnosis of cancer diseases using radioactive nuclides. There were participants from GCC countries and 10 other countries in the region including, India, Pakistan, Sweden, Iran, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, and Japan. The emirates conference will discuss the latest trends and methods in the field of radionuclide therapy and molecular imaging; it will also discuss the latest researches and protocols in the same field.  The conference is unique by the variety ......read more

Dubai, UAE, September 6, 2017:  Friends Provident International (FPI) has enhanced its International Protector Middle East plan by adding the Best Doctors® service as a free additional benefit for customers. With effect from 1 September 2017, all new International Protector plans will include this benefit.  Founded in 1989 by Harvard Medical School professors, Best Doctors is a privately owned, global benefits provider that serves more than 40 million members in every major region of the world. The Best Doctors network includes over 50,000 of the world’s top medical experts. Each has been designated as among the best by other doctors through an exclusive, Gallup®-certified process. The innovative services include access to an unrivalled network of physicians, who have been selected as the best in their field ......read more

Discusses partnership opportunities with major innovative, medical solution and information technology companies. Signs strategic MoU’s to foster growth and development of the health sector. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 30 August, 2017:  A high-level DHA delegation headed by His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority recently successfully concluded their official tour of the United States of America. HE Al Qutami and his team met with officials from major innovative, medical solution and information technology companies. The DHA delegation visited technology companies in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. They also met with officials from successful hospital groups to discuss collaboration and cooperation in the health sector. They signed a MoU with ......read more

As a part of “Aster Volunteers” programme, an “Aster@30” initiative, two containers of halal meals worth about AED 1.5 million were dispatched to Africa. Famine-affected people of Somaliland has received 150,000 packs of “Salma” foods just prior to the Eid Ul Adha celebrations days, contributed by the “Aster Volunteer”, channelized through the Govt of Dubai’s AWQAF & Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) and their associates Dubai Charity Association and Al Hayat Islamic Foundation in Somaliland.  Employees of Aster DM Healthcare various establishments across its network in Middle East, India and Philippines shared their contribution and equivalent was done by Aster DM Foundation. Six Aster Volunteers from Dubai joined Al Hayat Islamic Foundation Volunteers at Burco for ......read more

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, August 29, 2017:  The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announced today the working hours for all DHA hospitals, DHA administration, primary health centres and medical fitness centres during the Eid Al Adha holidays. Timing of DHA hospitals: Hospitals and health centres, will work as per shift timings and medical practitioners will be on call to ensure work continues as usual. The emergency departments of all these hospitals will be functional round-the-clock on all days. All clinics at Dubai Hospital, Rashid Hospital and  Latifa Hospital will remain closed from 31st August to 3rd September. Latifa Hospital’s, paediatric walk-in clinics will operate as usual during the weekend and public holidays. The Family Medicine Clinic at Hatta Hospital will be open from 7 am to 9 pm during the Eid ......read more

UK doctors endorse world-class standard of multi-specialty medical care by Aster Hospital Mankhool An 81-year old female patient was suffering from sepsis due to obstruction (stones) in her bile duct and needed immediate intervention The patient was suffering from multiple ailments simultaneously (comorbidities) and had suffered a stroke 6 months earlier, resulting in a high-risk situation After a successful ERCP procedure by Aster Hospital specialists, the patient recovered almost immediately, despite the odds Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 29 August, 2017:  An 81-year old female patient, suffering from multiple illnesses, was successfully treated at Aster Hospital, Mankhool through a multi-pronged medical approach. The patient had blockage of the bile ducts and abnormal retention of bile in the liver caused by ......read more

Complimentary spa sessions, complete health checks, free nutrition and fitness counselling to mark the day Special session on stress management techniques. August 26, 2017;Ras Al Khiamah, UAE:  In celebration of 3rd Emirati Women’s Day, RAK Hospital is organizing an exclusive fun-filled fitness event marking the important occasion. The empowering event aims to provide the necessary education and guidance on important health issues. Celebrating the spirit of Emirati women, the event will provide them hands-on tools to manage their health and fitness regimen.  Free nutrition counselling, fitness and exercise tips, live discussion with medical experts, health stalls and talks, free eye screening, and complimentary health checks will be offered at the event to be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2017 at ......read more

Article by Dr. Vishal Pawar, Specialist Neurologist at Aster Specialty Clinic, International City Do you get strange sensations in your legs sometimes or the urge to kick or move your legs at night which wake you up or cause disturbance in sleep? Do you feel uncomfortable or get a crawly feeling in your legs that causes you to move your legs to relieve the sensation?   You could be suffering from a neurological disorder called ‘Restless legs syndrome’ or in short RLS. RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs during periods of inactivity, during sleep and wakefulness. This condition generally occurs in the legs and very rarely is caused in the arms.   Primary RLS is the most commonly found type of RLS and it is called so because no definite cause is found in ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 24, 2017:  Specialists from the Dubai Health Authority discussed today the importance of healthy ageing and proactive geriatric care for the elderly to minimize health complications and to reduce their dependence on caregivers so that they can an independent life to the best extent possible. Salwa Al Suwaidi, Director of Family Gathering Centre in Al Mamzar, which is the sole centre for the elderly in the emirate, highlighted the concept of healthy ageing and said: “ Presently the percentage of Emiratis above the age of 60 years, in the UAE is 7 per cent, this percentage is expected to reach 11 per cent in 2032 and 19 per cent in 2050. Life expectancy is also increasing.  In the 1960s, in UAE the life expectancy was 53 years, today according to DHA statistics, average life expectancy ......read more

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, 24th August 2017:  It’s that time of the year when festivity is in full flair and people in the UAE gear up to celebrate Eid Al-Adha. In the period before Eid Al Adha, many Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, where the final destination is the holy city of Mecca, home of the Kaaba – the most sacred site in Islam. It is also the perfect time when a lot of people plan the much-awaited long weekend to travel outside the UAE.    After you have decided on the travel destination and planned the travel itinerary, the next important step is to protect your family and yourself from contracting common illnesses that are usually associated at the time of travelling.    The most common travel illnesses especially in children include Diarrhoea, ......read more

MoU in line with the Authority’s vision to become an international centre for cardiology Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 23, 2017:  The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announced today that it plans to establish an International Centre of Cardiology in Dubai in collaboration with New York Presbyterian Hospital, which is one of the New York Presbyterian Hospital. His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority signed an  MoU  with New York Presbyterian Hospital during his official tour of the USA where he met with several high-level healthcare officials from several health institutions and organizations. Following the MoU signing, Al Qutami, said: “Dubai Health Authority is aware of the growing demand for its specialized health services across ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 22, 2017:  In line with the Year of Giving initiative that was declared by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and  in line with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to implement initiatives for the benefit of UAE society and work to establish a permanent change in the way the next generation will serve the UAE positively, social workers from the Dubai Hospital, helped 167 patients with financial difficulties. Kafa Al Matri, Head of Social Services Department at Dubai Hospital said that 167 patients received help in June and July this year and that the department coordinated with various charities to wave off the medical bills of these patients.  She said 50 per cent of ......read more

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, 22nd August 2017 - According to the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, Vitamin D deficiency continues to be prevalent in the UAE with over 85% of the population suffering from the condition.  In the Middle East, the risk factors of developing the deficiency are mainly linked with social, religious and environmental reasons.  For instance, the Abu Dhabi Health Authority points out that veiled women are more likely to suffer from lack of Vitamin D.  They constitute 61% of all Vitamin D episodes in the Emirate because they do not expose enough skin to the sun which helps in Vitamin D formation.  Dark skinned people are also at risk for developing the deficiency because their skin does not produce enough of the vitamin compared to those with fairer skin.Those who follow a strict vegan diet are ......read more

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) will now be a part of the offering at Zulekha Hospital Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) represent 30% of deaths in the UAE, according to The World Health Organization UAE, 22 August, 2017:  With heart disease reported to be one of the biggest killers in the Middle East, Zulekha Healthcare Group has announced its Cardiac Center of Excellence at Zulekha Hospital Dubai and Sharjah is now fully equipped to facilitate high-risk treatments. Zulekha Hospital is the first private hospital in the Emirate of Sharjah offering these treatments.    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) represent 30% of deaths in the UAE. The UAE Vision 2021 outlines a reduction in the number of lifestyle ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 21, 2017:  A high-level delegation from the Dubai Health Authority headed by His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) began their official tour of several hospitals and global institutions in the United States of America. The delegation will discuss partnership opportunities in the health sector and particularly in the field of medical training. Al Qutami, said: “The visit is in line with the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and in line with the directions of H.H. Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and with the support of His Highness Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of ......read more

Contact lens manufacturers to corner growth of UAE optical industry at 18th edition of Vision-X  Dubai, UAE, August 20, 2017:  A recent census of optician stores in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has revealed that the power of shopping malls to attract consumer buying behaviour is growing, with a 22% rise in the number of shopping mall-based opticians since 2014. These locations now account for one third of all optician business in the Emirates.  GfK, the global market research organisation that runs a frequent census for the UAE, also found that the demand for both prescription and beauty lenses has increased since 2016, growing 9% and 6%, respectively. Findings from the UAE optician store census have been released ahead of the 18th edition of Vision-X, the largest exhibition for eyecare and eyewear professionals ......read more

Doctors at Burjeel Hospital saved patient with ECMO at the nick of time United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi –16th August 2017:  A 44 year old Lebanese national, SW, first started feeling sick after a car ride with a friend who had flu. His initial condition seemed like typical influenza symptoms – a slight fever, runny nose and a persistent cough. “I was worried about my friend being sick when he was in the car with me. I told him to take some time off so he can feel better.”   Days after this incident, SW, was rushed to the Emergency Department of Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi complaining of shortness of breath, fever and a severe cough. The symptoms worsened over time impairing his lungs with a severe reduction in oxygen. A father and husband, SW tried to contain the symptoms so he would not ......read more

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 16, 2017:   Latifa Hospital for Women and Children to begin expansion of its facilities by the last quarter of this year, said a top health official. The facilities that will undergo expansion include the labour and delivery suite and the emergency department. Latifa Hospital for Women and Children is the oldest and largest dedicated maternity and paediatric hospital in the Emirate.  Dr Muna Tahlak, CEO of Latifa Hospital, said: “The expansion of the labour suite is to increase capacity and further create a patient-centric and family-centric environment in line with international modern practises. The design is such that it will  enhance accessibility, safety and delivery of service. The hospital is a recognised Baby Friendly Hospital and we follow kangaroo-care practices ......read more

Fitness buffs who are obsessed with bodybuilding, bulging biceps and ‘six-pack’ abs, are overusing supplements to the point that the practice might qualify as a new kind of eating disorder.  According to a study, the increasing use of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) worldwide has led to an increase in liver damage cases.  Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 16 Aug 2017:  Doctors at Medcare Hospital have raised concerns on the abuse of supplements like performance enhancing medication, growth hormones (HGH), and high amount of protein powders for muscle development by bodybuilders and gym goers. The lack of knowledge on the physical and mental risks of using these could lead to serious health consequences in the long run.   Dr. Mohammad Ashfaq Konchwalla, Consultant Sports Surgeon at Medcare ......read more

Aim of the visit is to get an overview of the public health, safety and medical emergency preparations in place for EXPO 2017. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 15, 2017:  A high-level delegation from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) visited Expo 2017 in Astana in Kazakhstan to get an overview of the public health, safety and medical contingency plans in place.   The visit is part of the ongoing medical preparations that Dubai Health Authority will undertake for Expo 2020, which will be hosted in Dubai.   The delegation was led by Dr Ahmad Bin Kalban, CEO of Hospital Services Sector at the DHA.    Bin Kalban met with the chairperson and the organizing members of the operational committee of Expo 2017. He received a detailed explanation on the plans and processes in place at the Expo to ......read more