A landmark and major part of the capital's history began to disappear yesterday as a bulldozer flattened parts of the Central Hospital, Mustashfa Al Markazi.
Generations from across Abu Dhabi have for decades received treatment at the hospital, one of the emirate's first health centres. It had a wide range of facilities ranging from a trauma centre to surgery units capable of handling complex cases.
The hospital is located in the recently established Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre (SKMC).
A spokesman said: "SKMC would like to announce the commencement of the demolition of the Central Hospital building. A bulldozer has made its first pass through the building that has served the Abu Dhabi community."
The old hospital's services have been transferred to the state-of-the-art Sheikh Khalifa Medical Pavilion – formerly Al Jazeerah Hospital – at SKMC, which is managed by America's Cleveland Clinic.
Ali Sakum, who came to Abu Dhabi from Pakistan 45 years ago, said: "I hope they will have something called the Central Hospital at SKMC. We don't want to see the name that served the people of Abu Dhabi for more than 40 years die. It has helped people from all walks of life – from a royal family member to a sweeper on the street."
Another resident, Noor Mohammed, said he owed a lot to the hospital.
"I had an abdominal ulcer and was seriously ill and never thought I would survive, but the hospital saved my life more than 15 years ago," he said. "Today I'm fit and working – in fact, some friends still call me the man arising from the grave."
Dr Scott Strong, Acting CEO of SKMC, said: "The hospital has provided excellent services to the community of Abu Dhabi for more than four decades. Talks are underway to decide on the future use for the site."
SKMC says residents with urgent problems who were previously treated at Central Hospital should seek care at the new Khalidiyah Urgent Care Centre – telephone 02 665 3475 – which offers a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week service. However, life-threatening cases are best handled at the SKMC emergency room.