Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Commended for Cardiovascular Care by American Heart Association

US Body Presents SKMC American Heart Association International Training Center With Silver Recognition Award

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Abu Dhabi’s flagship hospital, has been commended again for its commitment to cardiovascular care, receiving the American Heart Association Silver Recognition Award.

The award was given to SKMC’s American Heart Association International Training Center in recognition of its exemplary first aid, CPR and advanced cardiovascular care lifesaving training program.

Cardiovascular disease is the world’s leading cause of death, claiming about 17.3 million lives a year, according to World Health Organisation data. It accounts for one in four deaths in the UAE, according to the Abu Dhabi Health Authority.

A non-profit organisation, the American Heart Association is the world’s largest volunteer organisation dedicated to cardiovascular health. It trains more than 16 million people a year globally in lifesaving first aid, CPR and advanced cardiovascular care.

“Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the UAE and the region. It is essential that more healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary training to help increase survival from heart disease and stroke,” said Dr. Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi, Chief Medical Officer at SKMC, and certified with the American Board of Internal Medicine.

SKMC has a history of demonstrating excellence in the field of cardiac care, with a one-of-a-kind paediatric cardiac surgery program and electrophysiology service, as well as its recognition in 2013 as a Cycle IV Chest Pain Centre - among just a handful of institutions around the world with this designation, and the only such institute outside of the United States.

“Here at SKMC we are dedicated to providing the highest levels of quality healthcare and we measure ourselves against international healthcare providers,” said Dr. Aref Al Shehhi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, SKMC. “By receiving recognition from a body such as the American Heart Association we can ensure that we are delivering the highest levels of patient care and supporting the health needs of the community.”

SKMC is part of the SEHA Health System and is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.