Dh4 million gift: UAE doctor offers free surgeries after Syrian siblings lose limbs in quake
The life of Sham and Omar, siblings from Syria, was irrevocably altered after an earthquake struck in 2022. When the earthquake hit, both of them were trapped under the rubble of their house and required amputations due to grievous injuries.
Now they are in the UAE To receive treatment, where they are being looked after by doctors in the Burjeel Medical City located in Abu Dhabi. On the orders of Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, also known as Mother of the Nation, their life saving surgeries, limb amputations as well as extensive rehabilitation efforts have been initiated in the hopes that they will one day have the ability to walk.
The Battle that lies ahead for them required tremendous courage and strength and inspiring all of those around them, motivated an unnamed doctor, to aid the young siblings. That switch encompasses the vision of the UAE based doctor where he is aiming to assist many children who bear the same struggles as Sham and Omar.
As part of a selfless endeavor, the founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings, has resolved to provide unrestricted access to all who are in dire need of medical aid. During the launch of the Al-Mudenis Osseointegration Clinic at BMC, he disclosed his plan to execute ten complex prosthetic operations without requiring them to pay for any of it. The investment will greatly improve the lives of people who have experienced the loss of their limbs and he plans to spend Dh4 Million for it.
These groundbreaking surgeries will be performed at no cost to recipients at the new clinic. The clinic is operated by Prof Dr Munjed Al Muderis, an orthopaedic surgeon of great regard, having helped over 1,200 amputees regain the ability to walk using a technique called osseointegration.
Dr Al Muderis proclaimed, "Losing a limb should not mean losing your independence. Mobility is life. This technology gives people the chance to move freely again, with confidence and dignity."
What distinguishes this procedure?
Unlike other limbs where strapping them on is done with a socket that causes pain, irritation, and movement issues, osseointegration surgically places a titanium implant into the bone, seamlessly acting as an extension to the body.
Aside from restoring stable movement, the patients regain a sense called osseoperception, which enables them to feel pressure and motion within the prosthetic limb thus making it feel more authentic.
The first of such in this area
The Middle East will be receiving these surgeries for the first time in an attempt to aid individuals who cannot independently access these treatments.
The surgeries will be done in collaboration with the Paley Middle East clinic. A specialized team is being put together to assess patients and assist them through the recovery process.
The initiative is aligned with the UAE’s Year of the Community Campaign and focuses on enabling people to restore their independence and dignity regardless of their circumstances.
"This is just the beginning," said Dr. Al Muderis. "Amputees all over are waiting for the right kind of help, and we hope this step brings real hope and real change."
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