Making the miracle happen

Since this was impossible through normal methods, the couple sought treatment at the Dubai Gynaecology and Fertility Centre (DGFC). The couple now has a eight-month-old son, Sammy, thanks to the fertility treatment.

“My husband underwent the procedure (vasectomy) after he had children from an earlier relationship. But after we married in Dubai, we decided to start a family,” explained 41-year-old Tourta Drouzi from Morocco during the second annual gathering to celebrate the reunion of miracle babies at Creek Park on Wednesday.Tourta explained that the procedure took only three months and was successful on the first attempt. “I am happy with the treatment and the result,” she said, adding that she would not opt for further treatment.

Over 250 babies were born during 2010-2011 due to the centre’s assisted reproductive treatment.

“Other than the 250 babies, we are still waiting for the final number (patients still to deliver),” said Dr Awatif Al Bahar, Medical Director DGFC and Consultant in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Endocrine Infertility at the Dubai Health Authority. To date, over 1,200 babies have been born at the centre that has been operational since 1991.

Dr Awatif also said that the centre’s success rate is over 55 per cent which ranks the facility among the most successful in the world. “We have countless success stories, people that we have helped achieve a dream that they thought impossible,” she added.

Over the last two years, the number of patients visiting DGFC has doubled, and new treatments and techniques developed. The centre also offers gender selection which is among the main attractions for couples from the world over.“Sex selection is costly and is not allowed in some countries such as Belgium, other Gulf states and India from where we also get a large number of patients for treatment,” said Dr Awatif. However, the procedure is offered to selective couples only.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

Hero of healthcare

Dr Awatif Al Bahar is the first UAE national to be selected under the “Heroes of Healthcare” recognition given by His Highness Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman.

She will be honoured by Gulf Medical University (GMU) on April 19. Started in 2010, Heroes in Healthcare is all about recognising the efforts of people who are outstanding in their fields.

It is also a series of inspirational lectures by internationally recognised achievers in healthcare. Each year, the university honours two achievers. Four achievers have been honoured till date including Dr Peter Morley, medical director, international operations, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand; Padma Bhushan Dr Ramakanta Panda, vice-chairman and cardiovascular thoracic surgeon, Asian Heart Institute and Research Centre, Mumbai, India; Dr Azad Moopen, chairman, DM Healthcare and MIMS; and Dr Anil D’Cruz, director at the Tata Memorial 
Hospital, Mumbai, India.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com