H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today launched the country’s first dedicated private- sector Pediatric Interventional Cardiac Unit to be set up at the RAK Hospital here in association with the globally- renowned Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (FEHI) from India.
Speaking at the function, Sheikh Saud said, “We are honoured to have this partnership between RAK Hospital and a renowned institution like Fortis Escorts Heart Institute as we focus on enhancing the healthcare provision capabilities of the emirate and make it a destination for quality healthcare in the region.” “We have a long and historic relationship with India and it is glad to note that the ties between the two countries still continue on a strong footing with new partnerships and collaborations. It is our vision to allow Ras Al Khaimah to be a place of choice where entrepreneurs and people with talent can come in and realize their dreams,” Sheikh Saud added.
Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director, ETA Star Healthcare, said, “RAK Hospital was conceptualized to offer world-class medical services and thus establish Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of choice for medical value travel. This association further demonstrates our commitment to that vision. FEHI has, over the past twenty years, pioneered nearly every regional advancement in the cardiovascular field. It has constantly set new standards for clinical excellence and expertise, advanced procedures and technology.” Ashish Bhatia, Regional Director, Fortis Healthcare Limited said, “The field of cardiovascular sciences has undergone fascinating development over the last 20 years and thereby helped patients recover from life-threatening heart ailments. As we at FEHI move ahead, our focus is to set new standards in medical excellence and compassionate patient care, not just in India but beyond. With this new venture, we continue our evolution as a leading light in cardiology for the region. We look forward to serving the emirates.” RAK Hospital’s expansion plans were set in motion earlier this year when a fully functional state-of-the-art catheterization lab opened its doors to the residents of the northern emirates, under the leadership of renowned cardiologist Dr. Rajeev Lochan. An estimated AED 6 million is being spent in two phases in equipping the hospital to offer world-class cardiac care, including adult and pediatric cardiac surgery. This association marks the second phase and will see over 50 percent of the outlay ear-marked for the purpose. A panel of hand-picked cardiac specialists from FEHI will be stationed at RAK Hospital, to add strength to its existing cardiac team.
As part of the opening day agenda, a Continuing Medical Education program was organized with Dr Ashok Seth, Chairman – Cardiac Sciences ‘&’ Chief Cardiologist at FEHI. He took participants through an understanding of drug-eluting stents and their benefits. In attendance were top cardiologists and medical practitioners of the region.
It is noteworthy that cardiac disease is the single largest contributor to all deaths in the emirates, with over a third of mortalities occurring on account of it. FEHI brings the valuable experience of treating over 2 million people in 22 years and over 72000 cardiac surgeries to its credit.
WAM