
NMC Healthcare champions healthy beginnings and hopeful futures for all with free health checks on World Health Day 2025
This year's World Health Day theme, " Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," highlights the urgent need for global investment into high-quality maternal and newborn healthcare to end preventable deaths and prioritise the long-term health and well-being of women. With a focus on early detection, preventive care, and accessibility, NMC Healthcare proudly supports this mission through its comprehensive gynaecology, obstetrics, paediatric and preventive care services, and by ensuring accessibility through its national network and community initiatives like free health screenings.
Free Health Checks
On April 7, the UAE residents can visit NMC's designated kiosks at select malls, community centers and hospitals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Al Ain to receive complimentary basic health screenings. These tests will include blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure checks, and BMI measurements. No appointments are necessary.
Screening Locations and Timings
Residents can access free health screenings at the following locations on April 7, 2025:
Abu Dhabi:
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall – 10am – 10pm
Forsan Central Mall, Khalifa City – 1pm – 5pm
Yas Mall – 10am – 10pm
Khalidiyah Mall – 11am – 4pm
Al Ain:
Mall of Al Ain – 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Dubai:
Lulu Hypermarket DIP – 10am – 6pm
Lulu Hypermarket Al QUsais – 11am – 8pm
Sharjah:
NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah – 10am – 2:00pm
Lulu Hypermarket, Al Rayyan Towers, Al Nahda – 5pm – 9pm
Lulu Hypermarket, Butina – 5pm – 9pm
Lulu Hypermarket, Buhairah - 5pm – 9pm
Lulu Hypermarket, Hazana - 5pm – 9pm
Al Shaab Village - 5pm – 9pm
Safari Mall - 5pm – 9pm
Ajman
Lulu Hypermarket, Ajman - 5pm – 9pm
Ras Al Khaimah
RAK Mall - 5pm – 9pm
World Health Day's " Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures" theme calls for tangible action to ensure the well-being of mothers and newborns. For NMC Healthcare, this action takes the form of proactive prevention.
Dr Zaka ullah Khan, chief clinical officer of NMC Healthcare, said: "At NMC Healthcare, we believe that prevention is the foundation of long-term wellness. By offering these free health screenings, we aim to provide the community with the tools they need for a healthier future through accessible, preventive care, and high-quality healthcare."
As a leading healthcare provider, NMC Healthcare continues to drive initiatives that align with the World Health Day theme. Recognising that the foundation of lifelong health begins before birth, NMC Healthcare offers comprehensive medical services and programmes to deliver maternal and child health services, including:
Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder (PASD) Programme at NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi treats women facing high-risk pregnancies due to this complex condition. The hospital also achieved the prestigious Centre of Excellence (CoE) accreditation in Gynecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics from the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards (ACHSI) in February 2025.
New Pediatric Centre in Dubai Marina, scheduled to open this summer, will provide comprehensive healthcare services for children, supporting healthy development from infancy through adolescence.
Community Education Programmes: NMC regularly hosts workshops and seminars aimed at educating parents on prenatal and postnatal care, emphasising the importance of early health interventions for mothers and babies.
Full spectrum maternity, pre-natal and antenatal programmes available at all NMC Healthcare hospitals, nationwide.
Through these and other initiatives, NMC Healthcare is actively contributing to a future advanced maternal and newborn healthcare is readily available for all.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
When pneumonia doesn't heal: A hidden diagnosis and a life turned around at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP
When weeks of antibiotics failed to help a Dubai resident's chronic cough, doctors at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, uncovered the real culprit — fragments of cashew nuts lodged in his lung A 43-year-old man living with poorly controlled diabetes was admitted to NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai Investment Park (DIP), with a persistent cough and shortness of breath that had lingered for weeks despite multiple courses of antibiotics. Initially diagnosed with pneumonia, his condition showed minimal improvement, prompting the hospital's medical team to investigate further. A detailed CT scan of the chest revealed a partial lung collapse in the lower lobe of his right lung, raising concerns about a possible blockage in the airway. He was promptly referred to Dr Gopal Chawla, specialist pulmonologist at NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, for further evaluation. Dr Chawla performed a flexible bronchoscopy – a simple, minimally invasive procedure that involves passing a thin, flexible camera through the mouth into the lungs to identify any internal obstructions. To the team's surprise, the bronchoscopy revealed two cream-colored foreign bodies lodged deep in the patient's airways. Surrounded by inflamed tissue and granulation, the fragments were identified as cashew nuts likely inhaled unknowingly during a meal. The patient had no memory of choking or difficulty swallowing, yet the nuts had somehow entered the lungs instead of the digestive tract. Over time, this led to irritation, inflammation, and repeated infections that mimicked pneumonia and did not respond to conventional treatment. Due to their deep location and the delicate condition of the surrounding tissue, removing the nuts required expert precision. Dr Chawla, supported by Dr Surjya Upadhyay from the anaesthesia team and experienced endoscopy staff, carried out the procedure under general anaesthesia. Using a Fogarty balloon catheter - a thin tube with an inflatable tip used to gently dislodge blockages along with specialised forceps designed for foreign body removal, the team was able to carefully extract both fragments. Despite several attempts due to the fragility of the material, the procedure was completed safely and without complications. The patient's recovery was swift. Within days, his breathing had improved, his energy levels returned, and follow-up imaging confirmed that the collapsed portion of his lung had reopened. 'A cough that lingers for more than two weeks is your body's way of asking for help,' said Dr Chawla. 'This case reminds us that not all pneumonias are caused by infections. Sometimes, the real problem is something hidden, like a foreign body in the airway. With tools like bronchoscopy and EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound), we can diagnose and treat these issues quickly and safely, often without the need for surgery.' While food aspiration is more commonly seen in children, it can also occur in adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, dental issues, or neurological problems. In many cases, the symptoms are subtle and often mistaken for chronic infection. Persistent chest infections that don't respond to antibiotics, repeated infections in the same area of the lung, unexplained breathlessness, or findings of partial lung collapse on scans should all raise concern. At NMC Royal Hospital, DIP, patients have access to a comprehensive range of advanced respiratory diagnostic tools, including bronchoscopy and EBUS. These modern, minimally invasive techniques allow physicians to diagnose and treat airway problems with precision, often avoiding the need for surgical intervention. When it comes to lung health, early diagnosis and timely action can make all the difference. If you or someone you know is living with a persistent cough or recurring chest infection, expert care is just a consultation away. To learn more or book an appointment with our pulmonology team, visit or call us at 800 313.


Khaleej Times
04-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Schools out, bags are packed but are your child's vaccines up to date?
Doctors in the UAE are urging parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated before summer travel, warning that this period brings increased exposure to infectious diseases and travel-related health concerns. Medics are reiterating that a well-timed vaccination schedule is key to a safe and healthy journey for children and their families. Notably, private schools in the UAE will resume classes on August 25, 2025, following a two-month summer break. Dr Pankaj Nandlal Tardeja, HOD and Specialist, General Paediatrics at NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain, said, 'As summer holidays approach, many families are planning international trips. But before booking flights, parents must ensure their children's vaccinations are up to date. Vaccines play a critical role in protecting children from travel-related illnesses, some of which may not be common in the UAE but are prevalent in other countries.' He added that early planning is crucial, especially for families who are aware of their travel plans months in advance. "For parents who are aware of travel plans several months in advance, it's a good idea to schedule a consultation with a paediatrician at least six to nine months before departure. This will ensure that all recommended vaccinations and booster shots are completed on time. We are reminding residents to ensure that their children's immunisation schedule is up to date in preparation for summer travel," he said. Vaccinate well in advance Vaccinating children well in advance allows time for the vaccines to provide the necessary protection before they are exposed to potentially high-risk environments. Dr Vishrut Singh, Specialist Paediatrics at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC), said, 'This allows sufficient time for vaccines to take effect and for any necessary follow-up appointments. Some vaccines require multiple doses or might need to be ordered in advance, so early planning is crucial.' Doctors have also noted a rise in travel-related illnesses among unvaccinated children, including serious cases of measles and influenza. 'Measles and influenza have particularly seen a rise in recent years. Between May 2024 and April 2025, Europe reported 22,481 measles cases, nearly half in children under five, mostly unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. "World Health Organisation (WHO) data highlighted that 35 million children globally lacked full measles immunization in 2023, leading to widespread outbreaks. In the Middle East and North Africa, 4.3 million children missed a single dose of MMR between 2019–2021 — increasing regional risks,' added Singh. Preventive care Dr Mamata Bothra, Specialist Pediatrics and Neonatologist at International Modern Hospital, Dubai, reinforced the importance of preventive care. 'It's important to complete vaccinations before traveling to protect your health and the health of others. They are also effective in preventing the spread of diseases to other travellers and back home upon your return.' She stressed that routine immunisation should not be overlooked in the rush of travel preparation. This includes boosters such as DPT, polio, MMR, chickenpox, and meningococcal vaccines. Some countries may also require proof of specific vaccinations for entry, such as yellow fever for parts of Africa and South America. She added, 'Children travelling for education to other countries are advisable to take meningococcal vaccine doses. I recommend taking Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations also before travel to prevent from these diseases. "Vaccinations reduce your risk of contracting potentially serious illnesses while traveling. It's advisable to plan ahead and discuss with your doctor and ensure they are administered in time. Some vaccines require multiple doses or a specific time frame before travel for maximum protection and efficacy.'


Khaleej Times
11-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
NMC Royal Hospital DIP revolutionising breast cancer surgery in the UAE with Sentimag system
The Sentimag system offers a breakthrough alternative by replacing radioactive tracers and blue dye with a safe, non-radioactive technique In a significant advancement for breast cancer treatment in the UAE, NMC Royal Hospital DIP has successfully performed its first breast cancer surgery using the Sentimag system, a cutting-edge, radiation-free technology for sentinel lymph node localisation, marking a major milestone in surgical innovation in the country. The procedure, a first across the entire NMC Healthcare network, was performed at the hospital's dedicated Breast Cancer Clinic by Dr Afaf Sahraoui, specialist in breast, thyroid, and parathyroid surgery, and certified by the Norwegian Health Board. The Sentimag system replaces the conventional use of radioactive tracers and blue dye with a safe, magnetic alternative, enhancing both patient safety and surgical precision. In modern surgical breast cancer surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy is a crucial step used to determine whether cancer has spread beyond the tumour. Traditionally, this process involves the use of radioactive isotopes and blue dye to locate sentinel lymph nodes which are methods that can pose risks such as radiation exposure, potential allergic reactions and complex logistical challenges due to strict timing of tracer injections. The Sentimag system offers a breakthrough alternative by replacing radioactive tracers and blue dye with a safe, non-radioactive technique. It uses Magtrace, a liquid solution containing magnetic nanoparticles administered before surgery. During the procedure, a handheld probe is used to detect magnetic signals and accurately locate and remove the sentinel lymph node. The same system can also deploy Magseed, a tiny magnetic marker used to localise nonpalpable breast tumours (those not detectable by touch), eliminating the need for traditional guidewires. The first patient to undergo surgery using Sentimag at NMC Royal Hospital DIP was a 47-year-old woman diagnosed with a 26mm invasive breast carcinoma, a malignant tumour that had spread beyond the breast tissue. Following evaluation by a multidisciplinary tumour board, she was recommended for breast-conserving surgery with sentinel lymph node biopsy using the Sentimag system. As the tumour was palpable, Magtrace alone was sufficient, and the procedure was successfully completed through a minimally invasive incision, with the sentinel nodes accurately identified and removed without complications. The technique significantly reduced recovery time, with the patient experiencing minimal discomfort and was discharged just six hours after surgery. She also showed excellent recovery at her one-week postoperative follow-up with no signs of infection. "This technology offers a safer, more convenient, and patient-friendly advancement in breast cancer surgery," said Dr Afaf Sahraoui. "By eliminating the use of radiation and blue dye, we're not only reducing risks but also simplifying the surgical process without compromising diagnostic accuracy. It's a significant step forward for women's health in the UAE." "Sentimag revolutionises sentinel lymph node surgery with a precise, radiation-free alternative,' added Dr Shaista Meraj, consultant radiologist. 'It expands patient access particularly in units like ours, without on-site radioisotopes. This ensures breast clinic efficiency by providing a sustainable and patient friendly alternative to radioactive tracer." The introduction of the Sentimag system reinforces NMC Royal Hospital DIP's commitment to innovation and patient-centred care, making it one of the first hospitals in Dubai to offer this advanced, radiation-free solution for breast cancer surgery. This breakthrough strengthens the hospital's Breast Cancer Clinic offering and reflects NMC Healthcare's ongoing dedication to providing world-class evidence-based treatments to patients across the country.