Latest news with #SSMC
Al Etihad
07-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and AstraZeneca launch an asthma inhaler recycling initiative
7 July 2025 18:25 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for severe and complex care and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, has today announced its collaboration with global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to launch the 'Pure Air Solution' (PAS) partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focuses on the recycling of asthma inhalers. While demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable healthcare practices, this initiative also addresses the urgent need to reduce the healthcare sector's carbon footprint, which currently contributes to approximately 5% of the world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, chief executive officer at SSMC, said: 'By implementing a comprehensive inhaler recycling programme, SSMC and AstraZeneca are taking a significant step towards mitigating environmental harm, which aligns with the UAE's vision for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.'Through the strategic placement of collection bins across SSMC's key clinics and pharmacies, the initiative will encourage asthma patients to participate in inhaler recycling. The partnership will also prioritise robust educational campaigns on asthma management and the importance of recycling, empowering both patients and staff at SSMC to engage in responsible disposal Al Kaabi added, 'The PAS initiative is further testament to SSMC's leadership in proactive environmental stewardship within the healthcare sector. By launching this programme, we are taking decisive strides towards a healthier, more sustainable future, while setting a precedent and establishing a benchmark for responsible healthcare practices within the region.'Sameh El Fangary, cluster president for GCC and Pakistan at AstraZeneca, shared: 'Partnering with SSMC reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable respiratory care. This collaboration aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with inhaler use, aligning with our integrated approach to health, addressing both patient outcomes and environmental considerations.'Project leads Dr. Haytham Shahata, research clinical pharmacist, and Dr. Lubna Issa, drug store operations manager at SSMC, said: 'Inhalers, among the most prevalent medical devices used in the UAE, account for nearly 80% of inhaler-related GHG output.1 This is largely attributable to hydrofluorocarbon propellants, which are up to 2,500 times more potent than carbon dioxide and can remain in the atmosphere for over 200 years.2,3 With 96% of an inhaler's climate impact stemming from these potent emissions, the PAS initiative is designed to significantly minimise the carbon footprint of respiratory care.4' The PAS initiative reinforces the power of collaborative innovation in building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. By fostering a culture of recycling and education, SSMC and AstraZeneca are taking the lead in advancing sustainable healthcare practices across the UAE, ultimately benefiting patients and the broader community by ensuring long-term health and environmental well-being.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and AstraZeneca launch an asthma inhaler recycling initiative
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, has today announced its collaboration with global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, to launch the 'Pure Air Solution' (PAS) initiative. This partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focuses on the recycling of asthma inhalers. While demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable healthcare practices, this initiative also addresses the urgent need to reduce the healthcare sector's carbon footprint, which currently contributes to approximately 5% of the world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, chief executive officer at SSMC, said: 'By implementing a comprehensive inhaler recycling programme, SSMC and AstraZeneca are taking a significant step towards mitigating environmental harm, which aligns with the UAE's vision for net-zero carbon emissions, by 2050.' Through the strategic placement of collection bins across SSMC's key clinics and pharmacies, the initiative will encourage asthma patients to participate in inhaler recycling. The partnership will also prioritise robust educational campaigns on asthma management and the importance of recycling – empowering both patients and staff at SSMC to engage in responsible disposal practices. Dr. Al Kaabi, added: 'The PAS initiative is further testament to SSMC's leadership in proactive environmental stewardship within the healthcare sector. By launching this programme, we are taking decisive strides towards a healthier, more sustainable future, while setting a precedent and establishing a benchmark for responsible healthcare practices, within the region.' Sameh El Fangary, cluster president for GCC and Pakistan at AstraZeneca, shared: 'Partnering with SSMC reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable respiratory care. This collaboration aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with inhaler use, aligning with our integrated approach to health—addressing both patient outcomes and environmental considerations.' Project leads Dr. Haytham Shahata, research clinical pharmacist, and Dr. Lubna Issa, drug store operations manager at SSMC, said: 'Inhalers, among the most prevalent medical devices used in the UAE, account for nearly 80% of inhaler-related GHG output.1 This is largely attributable to hydrofluorocarbon propellants, which are up to 2,500 times more potent than carbon dioxide and can remain in the atmosphere for over 200 years.2,3 With 96% of an inhaler's climate impact stemming from these potent emissions, the PAS initiative is designed to significantly minimise the carbon footprint of respiratory care.4' The PAS initiative reinforces the power of collaborative innovation in building a sustainable healthcare ecosystem. By fostering a culture of recycling and education, SSMC and AstraZeneca are taking the lead in advancing sustainable healthcare practices across the UAE, ultimately benefiting patients and the broader community by ensuring long-term health and environmental well-being. For media inquiries, please contact: Fadya Al Kathairi Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City Email: falkathairi@ Afaf El-Sharkawy 9Yards Communications Email: References Alzaabi A, Bell JP, Montero-Arias F, et al. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Respiratory Treatments: Results from the SABA CARBON International Study. Adv Ther. 2023;40(11):4836-4856. doi:10.1007/s12325-023-02663-2. Jeswani HK, Azapagic A. Life cycle environmental impacts of inhalers. J Clean Prod. 2019;237:117733. doi:10.1016/ Borgford-Parnell N, Beaugrand M, Andersen SO, Zaelke D. Phasing Down the Use of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Contrib Pap Seiz Glob Oppor Partnersh Better Growth Better Clim. New Clim Econ. 2015. PSNC Briefing 024.21. Reducing the climate change impact of inhalers: environmentally safe disposal. August 2021. About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the UAE offering the highest standards of medical expertise for the treatment of serious and complex conditions. Established in 2019, SSMC has 660 patient beds, 18 operating theatres, including a hybrid operating room and a 26-bed neonatal intensive care unit. Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 46 specialties, bringing advanced and trusted quality care closer to the UAE and the wider region. For more information on Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City or to book an appointment, please visit: About PureHealth PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 100+ hospitals, 300+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world. PureHealth's network comprises: SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE SEHA CLINICS - Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services Daman (The National Health Insurance Company) – The UAE's leading health insurer The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE Rafed – The UAE's largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi's first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) - the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus PureCS - A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) – The UAE's largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care To learn more, please visit
Al Etihad
03-07-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
For first time outside United States, Abu Dhabi approves, accelerates access to innovative treatment for IBD
3 July 2025 20:46 ABU DHABI (WAM)On the side-lines of Abu Dhabi's participation at BIO International Convention in Boston, USA, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, have successfully enabled expedited access to Tremfya®, a next-generation biologic medication for patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).This strategic partnership marks the first availability of the treatment outside the United States, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a pioneering destination for healthcare innovation and advanced, patient-focused the recent US FDA approval for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and European Commission's approval for Crohn's disease, the DoH led efforts to accelerate local access through this three-way the supervision of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), SSMC's specialised IBD Centre will now administer Tremfya® to patients, offering a new standard of care for those living with chronic IBD Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the DoH, Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, said, 'This collaboration exemplifies Abu Dhabi's commitment to pioneering healthcare advancements that transform patient care. By being the first outside the United States to offer Tremfya® for both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, we are reinforcing our dedication to strategic partnerships and innovative treatments that address chronic diseases. Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a leader in health innovation by enhancing patient outcomes and bringing novel treatment solutions to the region.'Consultant Gastroenterologist and Director of the IBD Service at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Dr. Mohammed Nabil Quraishi, commented on this milestone, "At SSMC, our goal is to be at the forefront of medical innovation, but the real success story is the immediate impact this has on our patients. Being the first in the country to administer this novel therapy was a vital first step, but to have already started treatment for 15 patients in under two months of its launch demonstrates the tangible, widespread benefit we can deliver. This rapid adoption and scale are a direct result of our high-volume tertiary care service, allowing our expert team to translate groundbreaking medical science into clinical practice without delay. We are not just treating IBD; we are defining a new, higher standard of care for the region."Managing Director at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Gulf, Pedro Matos Rosa, said, 'We are honoured to collaborate with Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and SSMC to facilitate fast access to innovative solution for IBD patients in the Emirate. This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding innovative solutions that can make a meaningful difference in IBD patients' lives.'The first patient in Abu Dhabi to receive Tremfya experienced notable improvement, with symptoms significantly declining despite longstanding treatment-resistant Crohn's disease. Although Tremfya's real world use for Crohn's is recent, clinical trial results demonstrate that it enhances patient outcomes and supports long-term treatment is a biologic therapy that targets key inflammatory pathways involved in IBD, offering patients a novel treatment option that is both precise and highly treatment is designed to help patients achieve clinical remission and reduce disease symptoms. It is the first and only fully human selective interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitor with a dual inhibition mechanism targeting both IL-23 and CD64. It is now approved for adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease as the first IL-23 inhibitor offering both subcutaneous (SC) and intravenous (IV) induction options for the treatment of these including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic inflammatory condition causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight loss. Its incidence is rising in the region. The age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) of IBD in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region increased from 2.9 per 100,000 in 1990 to 3.7 per 100,000 by 2019, representing an increase of approximately 30% over three IBD Centre distinguishes itself by its multidisciplinary team of internationally trained experts, encompassing specialists from gastroenterology, surgery, nutrition, nursing, psychology, and pharmacy – a comprehensive approach unique to few centres across the collaborative team utilises state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced diagnostic tools and a dedicated infusion suite. The integrated approach contributes to excellent clinical outcomes, with the majority of the patients achieving and maintaining rapid disease control. Additionally, SSMC IBD Centre, provides access to the latest treatments through active research programmes and clinical trials, and offers extensive patient education and support services, including a dedicated helpline and mental wellness support
Mid East Info
26-06-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City Launches Dedicated Travel Health Clinic - Middle East Business News and Information
The new clinic will revolutionise the health needs of travellers in the UAE – safeguarding their health and the well-being of the wider community Abu Dhabi, UAE,June 2025: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City SSMC, a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, has today announced the launch of its new Travel Health Clinic. This specialised clinic will address the evolving health needs of travellers – either departing from or arriving in the UAE – and thereby protecting both their individual well-being and the community's health. Proactive pre-travel consultations offered by SSMC's Travel Health Clinic can significantly reduce travel-associated health risks. Operationally supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of infectious disease doctors, travel health nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory staff, the clinic provides a comprehensive suite of pre- and post-travel medical services, designed to prevent and manage travel-related health risks. Dr. Zahir Babiker, interim division chair of tropical and infectious diseases, and consultant at SSMC, said: 'At SSMC, we are committed to advancing healthcare excellence in the region. The launch of our dedicated Travel Health Clinic reflects our leadership in tropical and travel medicine, providing expert, comprehensive support to ensure individuals are well-prepared, protected, and confident when they travel, giving them peace of mind both during their journey and upon their return.' Services provided by the Travel Health Clinic include pre-travel consultations and offering evidence-based, destination-specific health advice tailored to individual health profiles and itineraries. The clinic also administers essential immunisations for international travel, including yellow fever and meningococcal disease – based on destination-specific risk assessments. Preventative measures include protection against infectious diseases such as malaria and non-infectious conditions such as altitude sickness. Post-travel evaluations are also a core offering, involving expert clinical assessment and management of febrile illnesses or specific exposure concerns. In addition, the clinic facilitates certified medical fitness assessments often required by UAE-based foreign embassies. The clinic serves the full spectrum of international travellers , and individuals requiring official embassy-mandated medical certifications. To further support safe and well-prepared travel, SSMC is working closely with corporate partners, embassies, and insurance providers. The clinic is conveniently located within the Outpatient Department of SSMC. To book your travel consultation, a WhatsApp contact number is available, along with the Travel Health Clinic's website, the SEHA App, or – if in the UAE – by calling 800 7762. About Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City SSMC: Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City is one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the UAE offering the highest standards of medical expertise for the treatment of serious and complex conditions. Established in 2019, SSMC has 660 patient beds, 18 operating theatres, including a hybrid operating room and a 26-bed neonatal intensive care unit. Supported by the latest diagnostic and treatment modalities available, SSMC offers care in 46 specialties, bringing advanced and trusted quality care closer to the UAE and the wider region. About PureHealth: PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 110+ hospitals, 316+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world. PureHealth's network comprises: SEHA – One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE SEHA CLINICS – Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services Daman The National Insurance Company – The UAE's leading health insurer The Medical Office – Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE Rafed – The UAE's largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation PureLab – Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region One Health – A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers The Life Corner – Abu Dhabi's first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment Ardent Health Services – The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US Circle Health Group – The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK Hellenic Healthcare Group HHG – the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus PureCS – A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City SSMC – T he UAE's largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care
Al Etihad
25-06-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City launches dedicated Travel Health Clinic
25 June 2025 14:07 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, Wednesday announced the launch of its new Travel Health Clinic. In a statement, SSMC said that this specialised clinic will address the evolving health needs of travellers – either departing from or arriving in the UAE – and thereby protect their well-being and the community's pre-travel consultations offered by SSMC's Travel Health Clinic can significantly reduce travel-associated health risks. Operationally supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of infectious disease doctors, travel health nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory staff, the clinic provides a comprehensive suite of pre- and post-travel medical services, designed to prevent and manage travel-related health Zahir Babiker, interim division chair of tropical and infectious diseases, and consultant at SSMC, said: 'At SSMC, we are committed to advancing healthcare excellence in the region. The launch of our dedicated Travel Health Clinic reflects our leadership in tropical and travel medicine, providing expert, comprehensive support to ensure individuals are well-prepared, protected, and confident when they travel, giving them peace of mind both during their journey and upon their return.'Services provided by the Travel Health Clinic include pre-travel consultations and offering evidence-based, destination-specific health advice tailored to individual health profiles and itineraries. The clinic also administers essential immunisations for international travel, including yellow fever and meningococcal disease – based on destination-specific risk measures include protection against infectious diseases such as malaria and non-infectious conditions such as altitude sickness. Post-travel evaluations are also a core offering, involving expert clinical assessment and management of febrile illnesses or specific exposure concerns. In addition, the clinic facilitates certified medical fitness assessments often required by UAE-based foreign clinic serves the full spectrum of international travellers, and individuals requiring official embassy-mandated medical certifications. To further support safe and well-prepared travel, SSMC is working closely with corporate partners, embassies, and insurance providers. The clinic is conveniently located within the Outpatient Department of SSMC. To book your travel consultation, a WhatsApp contact number is available, along with the Travel Health Clinic's website, the SEHA App, or – if in the UAE – by calling 800 7762. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
