Department of Health – Abu Dhabi's Visiting Physician Programme supports 3,200+ patients with rare and complex cases
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Since the launch of the Visiting Physician Programme by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, in 2021, 3,277 patients have consulted and received medical treatment from a group of esteemed international experts in rare and complex medical cases, as of December 2024.The programme aims to provide exceptional healthcare services by partnering with leading global healthcare organisations, by attracting top medical professionals to Abu Dhabi. Through facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience, the emirate provides high-quality and innovative healthcare services to those in need.Since the programme launched, the emirate has welcomed 37 visiting experts who have conducted 372 surgeries as of December 2024, and visiting physicians collaborated closely with local medical teams to exchange expertise, medical knowledge, and advanced techniques in complex medical fields. As part of the programme, training workshops led by the visiting experts were organised for healthcare professionals in the emirate. Those workshops are accredited by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi as continuing medical education hours.Notably, in November 2024, Abu Dhabi completed its first selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery, performed by a highly skilled visiting physician from the United States. These efforts highlight DoH's commitment to bringing world-class medical talents and best practices to Abu Dhabi to enhance healthcare services in line with global standards.Her Excellency Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the DoH, said: 'The DoH is committed to creating a holistic world-class healthcare ecosystem for Abu Dhabi residents and visitors so that patients can receive the medical attention they need, in line with global standards and best practices.The Visiting Physician Programme has played a key role in providing patients with a more convenient healthcare experience here in Abu Dhabi, especially in rare and complex medical cases. Through the programme, we are making the latest global medical innovations and expertise accessible to Abu Dhabi patients and reinforcing Abu Dhabi as a leading healthcare destination globally'.The top five specialties seen by the visiting practitioners in 2024 include paediatric haematology (bone marrow transplant), plastic surgery (lymphedema and brachial plexus), adult orthopaedic surgeries (complex ankle, foot, shoulder, hand and scoliosis), paediatric orthopaedics (limb lengthening and limb deformities), and ophthalmology. In addition to providing consultative services, the programme succeeded in enriching the exchange of knowledge, which significantly contributed to enhancing local expertise, post-surgical rehabilitation care, and improving healthcare outcomes throughout Abu Dhabi.Visiting physicians to date have been brought from seven countries around the world, working with globally recognised healthcare organisations, to provide medical services in healthcare facilities across Abu Dhabi. During 2024, 1,985 patients were seen by visiting practitioners and 270 surgeries were conducted. Out of the 1,985 patients consulted, 94 per cent were successfully medically treated and were not required to travel abroad for treatment.In 2024, four new specialties were added including retinoblastoma, selective dorsal rhizotomy, diabetic foot, and complex care clinic in recognition of the community requirements for these services. The complex care clinic initiative streamlines the evaluation and preliminary assessment of complex cases by the VPP expert in the US ahead of their visit to the emirate.
Visiting physicians involved in the programme are accessible to the public and appointments can be booked directly through the respective facilities.
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