Healthcare | Tuesday 10 October, 2017 10:35 am |

With heart disease reported to be one of the biggest killers in the Middle East, Zulekha Healthcare Group has announced its Cardiac Center of Excellence at Zulekha Hospital Dubai and Sharjah is now fully equipped to facilitate high-risk treatments. Zulekha Hospital is the first private hospital in the Emirate of Sharjah offering these treatments.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) represent 30% of deaths in the UAE. The UAE Vision 2021 outlines a reduction in the number of lifestyle diseases such as CVDs to ensure a longer and healthier life for its citizens and residents. Zulekha Healthcare Group is facilitating the realization of the national goal through its innovative, affordable cardiac solutions.  

The cardiac center offers valve repair and replacement, repair of septal defects (holes) in the heart and complex treatments such as Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) to improve blood flow to the heart.

The consolidation of the Center’s capabilities comes as the group reports seeing a 50% increase in cardiac patients over the past year (May 2016-June 2017) as compared to the same period the previous year. The Center will be one of a few offering end-to-end cardiac treatments in the UAE, and prevents cardiac patients from having to travel long distances for such treatments.   

“On average, we are seeing a staggering 60 people per day at Zulekha Hospital who require minor to major cardiac treatments of some sort,” said Dr. Anil Bansal, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Zulekha Hospital. “These figures highlight the need for essential specialist treatment, and Zulekha Healthcare Group’s Cardiac Center of Excellence is contributing positively to this ongoing requirement. One can access world-class treatments and care locally, at an affordable price.”

Dr. Fayaz Shawl, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Zulekha Hospital, added: “We are pleased to be advancing the UAE’s cardiac offering, working towards creating a healthier and more prosperous future for those residing in the country, which is in line with the country’s vision. The Center provides a viable surgery option for those suffering with complex cardiac diseases in the UAE.”

Mr. Taher Shams, Managing Director at Zulekha Healthcare Group, added: “The Center’s reengineering is an important first-step in increasing the awareness of world-class and available cardiac procedures here in the UAE. As a group, we are continuously working to bring the best healthcare services to our patrons, and we are proud to offer an array of innovative solutions all under one roof.”

The group has been consistently offering free health checks and hosting wellness initiatives under their campaign “No More Excuses” for communities in the UAE with an aim to educate the community on early detection and prevention of cardiac diseases. Mandatory insurance coverage has seen insurance providers offer improved packages for those who indulge in healthy practices in comparison to those who do not have exercise or healthy food habits as priorities.