Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Initiative

Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre

In a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare accessibility, Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre (ADSCC) and Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) have joined hands to facilitate bone marrow transplants (BMT) for underprivileged patients. This collaborative initiative aims to address the critical need for life-saving procedures among vulnerable populations who often face financial constraints.

The partnership between ADSCC and ERC signifies a pivotal step in advancing medical support for individuals grappling with blood cancers, blood disorders, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. By pooling their resources and expertise, both organizations are committed to expanding access to BMT procedures and ensuring comprehensive care for those in need.

Under the ambit of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant (ADBMT) programme, underprivileged patients will receive essential treatment and support. ADSCC, renowned as a 'Centre of Excellence' in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, will extend medical consultations to patients referred by ERC's medical committee. This collaborative framework underscores the shared commitment to alleviating the suffering of patients and improving healthcare outcomes for ERC beneficiaries.

Mohammed Al Fahim, Deputy Secretary-General of the support services sector at ERC, underscored the significance of strategic partnerships in the healthcare domain, emphasizing the collective endeavor to address the healthcare needs of vulnerable groups. He highlighted the agreement with ADSCC as a testament to their shared goal of supporting patients' health needs and fostering cooperation to enhance healthcare accessibility.

Dr. Maysoon Al Karam, Chief Medical Officer of ADSCC, emphasized the collaborative effort's role in bridging the healthcare access gap and ensuring equitable access to state-of-the-art treatments. Reflecting on the UAE's commitment to prioritizing healthcare, Dr. Al Karam reiterated the collaborative vision to expand the accessibility of advanced medical treatments and provide high-quality healthcare services to all segments of society.

The ADBMT programme, launched in 2020, stands as a pioneering initiative in the UAE, offering autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplants for both adults and children. By delivering advanced treatments locally, the programme eliminates the need for patients to seek medical care abroad, enhancing convenience for patients and their families while contributing to healthcare cost reduction.

Dr. Al Karam highlighted ADSCC's dedication to collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure healthcare access across the country, emphasizing the commitment to pioneering innovative solutions to combat diseases. The centre's notable achievements in BMT, including groundbreaking treatments for multiple sclerosis, Krabbe disease, thalassemia, and leukaemia, underscore its pivotal role in advancing medical care in the region.

In conclusion, the partnership between ADSCC and ERC heralds a new era of collaboration aimed at expanding access to life-saving treatments and improving healthcare outcomes for underprivileged patients. By combining their resources and expertise, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to serving the community and advancing healthcare accessibility in the UAE.