2006
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Karak Hospital expansion
The expansion of Karak Public Hospital has now been completed after six months of construction work, reported the Jordan Times. The new facilities include an advanced central purification unit, operating theatres, a delivery room and a nursery for newborn babies. The hospital's capacity has been expanded as a result and it will now be able to carry out more operations.
Western Region, healthcare plans
The Abu Dhabi government has given the go-ahead to the development and implementation of a plan to improve healthcare services in the Western Region, according to the WAM news agency. The decision is part of a wider strategy to raise healthcare standards. The government has already earmarked $55.3m for regional projects.
Organ donation change in Saudi
The recent decision by the Saudi government to allow non-relatives to donate organs is set to benefit around 8,500 kidney patients in the kingdom, reported Arab News. Previously, Saudi law only allowed donations if the donor was either a relative of the patient or clinically brain dead. The restrictions forced a number of patients to go abroad for transplants.
Steroid abuse in Al Ain
A significant proportion of gym goers in Al Ain, many of them UAE nationals, regularly use anabolic steroids according to a study by students from the UAE University and cited by Gulf News. The report found that 22% of those questioned misuse steroids despite the risks of heart attacks and strokes. The report stressed the need for an awareness campaign of the dangers associated with the drugs.
Avoid smoking after fasting
Doctors in the UAE have warned heavy smokers to avoid lighting up straight after finishing their daily fast, reported Gulf News. Dr J Issac of the Tawam Hospital said that smoking when the body is need of glucose, liquids and oxygen leads to the contraction of blood vessels, thus reducing the flow of oxygen. Meanwhile, nicotine and tar in cigarettes can thicken blood and cause artery blockage.
Milk powder recalled in UAE
Retailers around the UAE have been instructed to withdraw a baby milk powder, Complete Plus, from the market reported Gulf News. An official at the Secretariat of Municipalities said that the Dutch made formula for children aged one to four has been recalled as a precaution. A batch of the powder was thought to have been contaminated in June but none of the affected stock was shipped to the UAE.
Campaign targets Hepatitis
A nationwide campaign to help minimise the spread of all strains of hepatitis in the UAE will start in November, say organisers Al Jazeera Sports and Health Foundation. Representatives will visit schools, clubs and organisations to raise awareness about the disease. Health ministry figures show an infection rate of 37 per 100,000 of population, but officials think the disease in underreported, according to Gulf News.
AHD, new outpatient clinic
The American Hospital Dubai has opened a dedicated building to treat outpatients. The hospital says the relocation of these services means it will be able to expand its existing specialties and add others in dermatology, plastic surgery, allergy treatment, retina surgery, and head and neck surgery. Further expansions to the hospital are planned for 2007.
Wyeth supports Arthritis day
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is holding a radio interviews with Middle Eastern rheumatologists to highlight the difficulties faced by arthritis sufferers. The programme will be broadcast throughout the Gulf, Lebanon and Jordan on Thursday to coincide with World Arthritis Day, which aims to increase support networks for people afflicted with the crippling condition.
Jordan cancer fundraiser in Dubai
Jordan's King Hussein Cancer Foundation aims to raise funds at a traditional Arabic gala dinner in Dubai on 21 November. More than 300 guests are expected. Dubai International Capital, Abraaj Investments, Shuaa Capital, and Arab Bank are among the sponsors. The foundation supports the King Hussein Cancer Centre, and its treatment and education programmes.
Wonders of walnuts
New research suggests that walnuts, a nut used in many traditional Arabic dishes, may help reduce the damage that fatty food can do to the arteries, the BBC reports. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that walnuts had more health benefits than olive oil. Researchers recommend people eat 1oz/28g per day.
Dialysis centre for Jeddah
A dialysis centre with 100 units is being set up in Jeddah at a cost $9.3m, Arab News reported. There are 8,500 people in the kingdom who require advanced treatment for kidney disease, said Prince Abulaziz Bin Salman, who is chairman of a local charitable organisation for kidney patients.
Breast cancer walkathon
A walkathon to help raise funds for breast cancer patients is being held in Dubai on 27 October 2006. The Pink Walkathon is a part of the Safe and Sound Bur Juman Breast Cancer Awareness Programme. The entry fee is Dhs50 per person.
Pain drug available in UAE
The UAE has approved a treatment for managing neuropathic pain, including central neuropathic pain, the most severe form associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis. Neuropathic pain afflicts millions of people in the Middle East, with experts suggesting that the chances of developing it increase with age. The new treatment Lyrica is believed to work by calming hyper-excited neurons, which may be an underlying cause for various types of nerve pain.
Actifed recalled in AD
Actifed, a cold medication, has been recalled from pharmacies and retail outlets in Abu Dhabi by the General Medical Services Authority due to an error in the medication's dosage instructions, according to the WAM news agency. The dosage for children aged between two and five is printed as 5.2ml, when in fact it should be 2.5ml. The medication poses no risk if taken in the correct quantities.
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