There is a significant increase in the number of international patients coming from abroad to seek treatment at Sidra Medicine, has revealed Nazmi Hamad, Director of International Medical Affairs at Sidra Medicine.
He told local Arabic daily Arrayah that this increase highlights the center's outstanding global reputation in treating various diseases, especially rare ones. He noted that the center has received 221 patients from around the world this year so far, noting that throughout the year, Sidra Medicine, established by the Qatar Foundation, has gained the trust of patients worldwide. This has been reflected in the annual increase in the number of international patients, as Sidra Medicine received 180 international patients in 2022.
He added that this number increased by 30% last year, amounting to 308 international patients. He explained that this noticeable rise in the number of international patients accepted at Sidra Medicine is a testament to the growing confidence in its healthcare services. It reflects the great appreciation for their advanced facilities, the expertise of the medical team, and the dedication to provide exceptional patient care.
He further explained that this situation underscores the center's commitment to offer advanced medical treatment and personalized care plans, especially for rare diseases, meeting the unique needs of each individual patient. He further stressed that the continuous efforts to enhance its services and maintain the highest standards of medical practice have made Sidra Medicine a trusted choice for patients from all over the world.
He pointed out that the majority of international patients at Sidra Medicine come from Kuwait, with a total of 53 patients, in addition to patients from other nationalities such as Lebanon, Afghanistan, Algeria, Jordan, the United States, Greece, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Canada, India, Oman, and Sudan.
He noted that the common cases among the international patients examined at Sidra Medicine are largely focused on rare genetic factors. For instance, the center recently treated a patient from Lebanon who needed a specific gene therapy, only available at Sidra Medicine, as it is the first hospital in Qatar to offer this treatment.
He said that the center currently have 11 patients receiving treatment from Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. He added that in 2022, the center treated cases of hereditary spinal muscular atrophy, and other common cases include neurological diseases, heart problems, neurosurgery, gastrointestinal diseases, endocrine diseases, and craniofacial and cosmetic surgeries.
He explained that Sidra Medicine currently offers multidisciplinary care for children, including plastic surgery, pediatric craniofacial surgery, urology, kidney transplantation, a kidney disease and dialysis center, head and neck surgery for pediatric ENT, pediatric hematology and oncology, neurology and neurosurgery, neonatal intensive care, fetal surgery, general and thoracic pediatric surgery, and gastrointestinal and endocrine diseases.
In the meantime, he said that the International Patient Programme at the center is working on introducing bone marrow transplants, expected to be launched later this year. Besides, the center will offer services for women who need reproductive medicine assistance, such as IVF consultations, care, and gynecological surgery.
He added that the International Medical Affairs team at Sidra Medicine assists patients and their families in navigating medical care and logistical services. They help coordinate an exceptional healthcare experience, providing Sidra Medicine's international patients and their companions with comprehensive services starting with the initial consultation to treatment, recovery, until their return back home.
Nazmi Hamad, Director of International Medical Affairs at Sidra Medicine.
