DHA organises 100 free heart surgeries for children in Egypt
NABADAT INITIATIVE INVOLVES KAFRELSHAIKH UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) collaborated with Kafrelshaikh University Hospital in Egypt to provide free surgeries to a total of 100 children with congenital heart disease (CHD).
The initiative was organised through the Nabadat programme, where the team selected the 100 patients after prioritising cases in urgent need of life-saving surgery.
Nabadat, which means ‘heartbeat’ in Arabic, is a programme launched by the Mohammad Bin Rashid Charity and Humanitarian Establishment in collaboration with DHA to help impoverished children.
The initiative is taking place under the patronage of Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative.
It provides free medical assistance, life-saving surgery and post-surgical care to children whose parents cannot afford to pay for treatment of CHD.
“Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital disorder in newborns. It requires surgery or catheterbased intervention and in most cases, children live a normal life post-treatment,” said Dr Obaid Al Jassim, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Dubai Hospital.
He pointed out that children being treated with long-standing congenital disease, suffer from rapid breathing, bluish skin, poor weight gain and constant feelings of tiredness.
“They cannot enjoy a childhood
where they can run and play. The surgery is not only life-saving but also allows them to enjoy a good quality of life,” said Dr Al Jassim.
“Nabadat is one of the most important humanitarian initiatives; it treats the youngest members of our society and provides them with an opportunity to lead a healthy and active life,” said Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of the DHA.
Meanwhile, Ebrahim Bu Melha, Cultural and Humanitarian Affairs Adviser of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: “Nabadat concluded its visit to Egypt in collaboration with the DHA’s medical team who conducted open-heart surgery and catheterisation for children aged 3 to 14 years.”
The Nabadat team included medical staff specialising in paediatric cardiothoracic surgery and intensive care. To date, the Nabadat team has visited Sudan three times. The team has also provided free heart surgeries to children in India, Addis Ababa, Mauritania, Egypt and Tajikistan. Nabadat covers the complete cost of care and provides logistical support to the medical team.