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Move on drug prices
Drug prices in the UAE will be fixed against the US dollar from 2006, in an attempt by the Ministry of Health to stabilise the price of medicines, reported Gulf News. Currently prices are fixed against different currencies depending on their origin. The ministry is also looking to reduce the cost, insurance and freight price of drugs being imported into the country.
BurJuman walks for breast cancer
BurJuman mall in Dubai is holding a walkathon as part of its Safe and Sound breast cancer awareness campaign. Participants can register for the 3.5-km walk from 25-29 September at BurJuman by paying a fee of Dhs50. The event takes place on 30 September from the mall, starting 7am.
Free cardiac surgery
Welcare Hospital will provide free cardiac surgery to poor patients in an agreement with Emirates World Heart organisation. EWH is a UAE-based non-profit foundation that works under the umbrella of the UAE Red Crescent to provide urgent cardiac surgery to needy patients around the world.
UAE heart disease alarm
The UAE's mortality rate for heart disease will rise to between 50-60% within 10 years if residents do not make lifestyle changes, according to Emirates Cardiac Society President Prof Najeed Al Khaja. He says doctors are reporting an increasing number of cases due to the unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle of many UAE residents.
AD prepares for killer virus
Abu Dhabi has ordered a consignment of bird flu medication, enough to cover 400,000 residents or 25% of the city's population, according to a report in Gulf News. Authorities are also preparing a manual to be distributed to hospitals which outlines proper procedures in the event of an outbreak of the virus. No cases have been reported in the UAE.
Health centres relocated
The UAE's Ministry of Health is relocating to new buildings two primary health care centres, one in Jumeirah and the other in Khor Fakkan, to keep up primary health care services in areas of high population growth. A new centre will also be opened in the northern emirates in a location yet to be decided.
World Heart Day at Marina Mall
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi are holding a walkathon and public lectures on 23 September to mark World Heart Day and encourage awareness about heart health. Events start at 7.00am at Marina Mall. Visitors to the mall from 23-25 September can also get advice about body height and weight, blood sugar levels and body mass index.
New heart disease treatment
While treatment of patients that have suffered heart attacks in the UAE has improved, the proportion of people who die following an attack is still unacceptably high, according to Rashid Hospital head of cardiology Dr Azzan Binbrek. He said US FDA approval of the drug Diovan, which treats high blood pressure, adds an important new treatment to the range of options open to doctors in the region.
UAE bans bird imports
The UAE has placed a ban on imports of non-poultry marine and wild birds in response to an outbreak of avian flu in Asia. Imports of live poultry from Asia need medical certificates certifying they are free from the virus. According to media reports, three falcons imported into Kuwait from Mongolia were found to be infected with the virus, and were put down at the airport.
Rheumatologists needed
The UAE has a critical shortage of rheumatology experts, resulting in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers going undiagnosed, according to Dubai Bone and Joint Centre Dr Humeira Badsha cited in Gulf News. He said Western countries have 10 times more rheumatoligists than the UAE. Close to 60 international experts will swap research and therapies on rheumatology at a conference being hosted by the DBJC from 1-3 October.
Medtronic launches Endeavour in ME
Medtronic will make its Endeavor drug-eluting stent system available in the Middle East after receiving CE approval for its commercial sale. Drug-eluting stents are tiny mesh tubes coated with medicine and used to prop open arteries during angioplasty procedures. Beirut-based Medtronic Mediterranean will be responsible for the product's distribution.
Virtual reality health workshops
Zayed University has introduced a programme to help health professionals develop their practical skills through a series of workshops and seminars to be held throughout the year. Staff will be trained to deal with emergencies, trauma, heart resuscitation and surgery through use of virtual reality technology.
Herbal relief for ulcers
Every adult will be affected by stomach ulcers at some time in their life, said Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre's Ayurveda Specialist Dr. Asha Rani. Most often experienced by men aged more than 45, a stomach ulcer is the result of hyperacidity caused by increase in the secretion of hydrochloric acid, which erodes the inner lining of the stomach. For a permanent Ayurvedic cure, Dr. Rani uses a medicated ghee for an extended period of time.
Belhoul, anti-spider venom
With the recent epidemic of Australia's red back spiders in the UAE, Belhoul Speciality Hospital has acquired the anti-venom from Australia. But Dr. Mohammed Tariq said that in most cases anti-venom is not required. Bites which present with milder to moderate pain or with systemic symptoms require anti-venom, otherwise ice packs can be used to relieve only moderate local pain.
AD drug centre transfer
The UAE's National Rehabilitation Centre has been transferred from the Abu Dhabi General Health Authority to the Crown Prince's Office, reported Wam. The centre is for the rehabilitation of drug addicts through clinics and a specialist hospital.
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