PureHealth announces 500 successful transplants under Sheikh Khalifa Medical City’s Kidney Transplant Program

Abu Dhabi: xx August 2023 – PureHealth, the largest integrated healthcare platform in the UAE, has announced that Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) has completed 500 successful kidney transplants, exemplifying PureHealth’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and increasing the quality of life and health spans. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, one of the leading facilities operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), a PureHealth subsidiary, launched its Kidney Transplant Program in 2008. It has subsequently been recognized for its cutting-edge renal testing, diagnosis, and treatment offerings, with highly specialized and experienced administrative, technical, and medical teams. Shaista Asif, Group Chief Operating Officer at PureHealth, said: “The completion of 500 successful transplants through the Kidney Transplant Program at SKMC, is a significant milestone in PureHealth’s journey to transforming healthcare outcomes and positively challenging people’s health spans. This achievement encourages us to continue pushing boundaries, further enhancing the delivery of healthcare in the UAE. We are committed to excellence and innovation, as we continue to play a vital role in elevating Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in healthcare. We remain resolute in our mission to deliver exceptional care, making a lasting impact on the well-being of our communities. Our efforts support the aspirations of the UAE in building a world-class health system to improve the quality of healthcare and quality of life for its people.” Dr. Zubaida Al Ismaili, Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer at SKMC, said, "A kidney transplant is by no means a simple procedure. We must first source a healthy, suitable, and compatible kidney, and look after the welfare of both the donor and the patient. We need to be very thorough in our tests beforehand, then we have the operation, and finally, the check-ups and follow-up meetings once the patient leaves the hospital. At SKMC, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing exceptional care throughout the entire kidney transplant journey, in line with the PureHealth and SEHA vision to enhance healthcare excellence and ensure people's health and longevity." Dr. Muhammad Badar Zaman, Consultant of Transplantation and Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery at SKMC, said: “In 2022, we performed 72 operations – the most we have ever done, with 49 in 2019, and 40 in 2018. Of the 500 successful operations, 430 have been adults, and 60 children of different ages. The majority of the kidneys come from living donors, but we transplant from deceased donors too.” Operation success One of the recipients of a new kidney at SKMC was 42-year-old Ali Babakr, originally from Sudan, who was given the organ by his 30-year-old brother, Othman. Both speak highly of their experiences and the support and healthcare services received during treatment, delivered by the multidisciplinary team. They were particularly impressed with the use of PureHealth’s advanced technology. Ali Babakr said: “My treatment journey started three years ago, when I discovered that I had kidney stones and a swollen leg. I was immediately admitted to SKMC to undergo dialysis. It was decided that I would need surgery, with a kidney donated by my brother, and following all of the necessary examinations, we discovered that the kidney was a match.” Othman Babakr said: “I did not think twice about donating a kidney to my brother. Everything happened very smoothly, and as soon as the medical examinations revealed that my kidney was a match, we proceeded with the operation.” Transforming healthcare PureHealth oversees the SEHA healthcare network and SKMC and is fully committed to raising the benchmarks in healthcare excellence, facilitating the development of cutting-edge healthcare solutions, advancing the science of longevity, and helping people to live longer, healthier, happier, and fuller lives. With a diverse portfolio encompassing over 25 hospitals, 100 clinics, multiple diagnostic centers, insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, and procurement, PureHealth remains at the forefront of advancing healthcare systems. This comprehensive approach aligns with its mission to unlock time for humankind by pushing the boundaries of innovation and transformation within the healthcare sector. As part of PureHealth’s efforts, SKMC is able to offer the most advanced healthcare possible, utilizing technology, and involving highly-skilled medical, technical, and administrative staff, greatly improving patient outcomes. PureHealth’s aim is to introduce the healthcare of the future from the UAE to the world and strengthen the country’s position as the global hub for healthcare.