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RAK Hospital to open paediatric cardiac unit

RAS AL KHAIMAH — The RAK Hospital will shortly open the first dedicated private paediatric interventional cardiac unit in the country.

This was announced on Thursday by Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, during a ceremony at RAK Hospital.

The paediatric interventional cardiac unit, which will treat newborns with heart deformities, will be set up at the RAK Hospital in association with the globally-renowned Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (FEHI) from India.

“We are honoured to have this partnership between RAK Hospital and a renowned institution like Fortis Escorts Heart Institute as we focus on enhancing the healthcare provision capabilities of the emirate and make it a destination for quality healthcare in the region,” said Shaikh Saud.

“We have a long and historic relationship with India and it is glad to note that the ties between the two countries still continue on a strong footing with new partnerships and collaborations. It is our vision to allow Ras Al Khaimah to be a place of choice where entrepreneurs and people with talent can come in and realise their dreams,” he added.

Raza Siddiqui, executive director of ETA Star Healthcare, said that RAK Hospital was conceptualised to offer world-class medical services and to establish Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of choice for medical value travel. “This association further demonstrates our commitment to that vision. FEHI has, over the past twenty years, pioneered nearly every regional advancement in the cardiovascular field. It has constantly set new standards for clinical excellence and expertise, advanced procedures and technology,” he added.

Ashish Bhatia, regional director of Fortis Healthcare Limited, said the field of cardiovascular sciences had undergone fascinating development over the last 20 years.

“As we at FEHI move ahead, our focus is to set new standards in medical excellence and compassionate patient care, not just in India but beyond.

With this new venture, we continue our evolution as a leading light in cardiology for the region. We look forward to serving the emirates.” An estimated amount of Dh6 million is being spent in two phases for equipping the hospital to offer world-class cardiac care, including adult and paediatric cardiac surgery.

This association marks the second phase and will see over 50 percent of the outlay ear-marked for the purpose. A panel of hand-picked cardiac specialists from FEHI will be stationed at RAK Hospital, to add strength to its existing cardiac team.

As part of the opening day agenda, a Continuing Medical Education programme was organised with Dr Ashok Seth, chairman of cardiac sciences and chief cardiologist at FEHI. He took participants through an understanding of drug-eluting stents and their benefits. Top cardiologists and medical practitioners of the region attended the programme. — ismail@khaleejtimes.com