Hydra Properties sponsors medical congress for sickle cell disease

The congress was organized to take the healthcare service provided for sickle cell disease patients to higher levels.

Attended by over 230 member of the medical profession from Ras Al Khaimah, AL Fujairah, Ajman and Um AL Quwain, "Zoom In Sickle Cell Disease" medical conference addressed the nature of the disease, its incidence among children, and modern treatment methodologies by speakers from Saqr Hospital, Nursing Institute, and Ras AL Khaimah University for Medical and Health Sciences.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder, characterized by chronic anemia, painful events, and various complications due to associated tissue and organ damage.

Thalassaemia and sickle cell disease are probably the most widespread genetic blood disorders. In January 2002, a pilot program of neonatal screening for sickle cell disease was launched in the United Arab Emirates in 3 districts of Abu Dhabi emirate*. The overall incidence of sickle cell disease among 22 200 screened neonates was 0.04%. The estimated incidence for the disease trait was 1.1% overall. Suggesting that a category of the UAE population is carrying this trait.

"Healthcare service for patients in the UAE must be provided every support to equal the services provided in modern countries", said Dr. Sualiman AL Fahim, CEO, Hydra Properties. "The private sector must walk hand in hand with the public sector to help secure such services", he added.

"Hydra Properties have shown its support for many social, athletic and other activities. Our sponsorship of the "Zoom In Sickle Cell Disease" is yet another contribution, that outlines our commitment to UAE, to aid the healthcare sector in providing a high standards service to patients in the country. Those patients deserve all the support we can provide," commented Dr. Al Fahim.

The "Zoom In Sickle Cell Disease" medical congress was held on 26th January, the opening ceremony was attended by managers of Ras Al Khiam Medical Zone, Ibrahim Hamad Bin Obaid Allah Hospital Director, and The Nursing Institute Manager.

A number of sickle cell disease patients were also in attendance, where they had the chance to demonstrate their needs, and learn of new methods of treatment.

Towards the end of the congress, treatment methods and patient needs were taken as basis for improving the services rendered to this category of chronic patients.