2007
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Diabetes hospital risks
People with diabetes are more than twice as likely to pick up an infection in hospital after an accident as those without, according to a study cited buy the BBC. Researchers from The Penn State College of Medicine research studied 26,000 patients who were hospitalised after trauma injuries between 1984 and 2002. While patients with diabetes spent two days longer on average on a ventilator, they were not more likely to die, according to the report.
Diabetes gene found
Scientists have identified a gene linked to increase risk of Type 1 diabetes, the Guardian reports. They believe that pinpointing the KIAA0350 gene could lead to ideas for treatment. Scientists say that Type 1 diabetes derives from a combination of factors as well as genetics, with environmental factors also playing a role. It is usually diagnosed in children age 10-14.
Petra health services need upgrade
Jordan's Queen Rania called for an upgrade in medical services in Petra during a tour of the district's medical facilities, the Jordan Times reports. Some patients have complained about a long wait to get medical appointments. The Queen Rania Hospital in Wadi Petra has 35 doctors for about 30,000 residents. It performs minor and major surgery but lacks equipment needed to diagnose cardiac disease, the report said.
UAE's biggest gastric bypass
Doctors are preparing to carry out Dubai's first public sector gastric bypass operation, on a 25 year old man who weighs 325kg, according to Gulf News. The operation will also be the first in the UAE involving a patient of such size. The UAE suffers from soaring obesity and adult onset diabetes rates, linked to genetic factors as well as dietary and lifestyle issues.
UAE RCA $68m relief aid
The UAE Red Crescent Authority spent $68m on humanitarian and relief work outside the country in 2006, WAM reports. The RCA has recently carried out relief programmes worth $20m in 35 countries, predominantly in Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq and Palestine.
Virus affects travel plans
The outbreak of a mosquito-borne virus in southern India has forced many expatriate Keralites in the UAE to cancel summer vacation plans, according to Gulf News. About 200,000 people in the southern Indian state of Kerala may be infected with chikungunya fever, a viral illness spread by mosquito bites. A UAE ministry of health official said there was no danger of the viral illness coming to the UAE.
Clubbers don't hear warning
The Royal National Institute for Deaf People, a UK-based charity, says the current generation of music lovers could be facing a 'hearing loss time bomb', according to Gulf News. The RNID warns UAE clubbers risk permanent hearing loss and tinnitus - a ringing of ears - if they don't take protective measures. In the UAE, awareness of the potential danger is reportedly low.
$304m Qatar hospital project
Greece's Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) is building a $304m hospital complex in Qatar, according to AFX News. The project will see the construction of a six-storey, 881,000 sq ft hospital and 153,000 sq ft of support buildings. Greek construction firm J&P Avax has taken a 25% stake in the project.
Inmates get smoking lectures
Dubai prison inmates have been lectured on the health risks associated with smoking. The programme was a collaboration of the Ministry of Health and Novartis Consumer Health. Dr Tareq Ahmad Al Hashemi, General Director of Education and Training of Inmates, said 'we are committed to the successful re-entry of inmates into society through various educational, sporting and health activities.'
Dubai health insurance law
Dubai's new health insurance law is expected to take six months to formulate, according to Gulf News. The proposed plan, which follows Abu Dhabi's universal health insurance scheme, will cover UAE nationals, residents and visitors. The Dubai Executive Council says it will consult extensively with senior professionals in the health and insurance industry.
$27m health supplies for 2008
The UAE's Ministry of Health has approved drugs and medical supplies worth over $27m to meet the requirements of hospitals in Dubai and the northern emirates for next year, Khaleej Times reported, quoting a senior health official. Hospitals will receive, amongst other items, 405 different types of drugs and equipment for operating theatres and intensive care units.
MPs get health cover
Bahraini lawmakers are to be covered by a health insurance scheme, Gulf News reported. Members of the elected house and Shura council, and their families, will be covered by the scheme for 12 months. The Legislative Authority has paid about $1m to National Saudi Insurance for cover.
Dubai centre for abuse victims
Dubai is setting up a charity to care for women and children who are the victims of physical and psychological abuse, the local WAM news agency reported. The Dubai Women's and Children's Charity Foundation will provide safe shelter, counseling and help people to rehabilitate back into society.
Moorfields opens at DHCC
The UK's Moorfields Eye Hospital has opened a branch in Dubai Healthcare City. Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai is the group's first overseas branch in its 200-year history. The hospital will provide day surgery and outpatient diagnostic and therapeutic services, including emergency care. Opthalmic post-graduate training in the GCC will be offered through a partnership with Harvard Medical School Dubai.
Organic fruit "better for heart"
Organic fruit and vegetables may be better for the heart according to a ten year study into organic tomatoes, The Times reports. It found that organic tomatoes had nearly double the quantity of flavonoid antioxidants, which are believed to help prevent high blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of heart disease and strokes.
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