Cancer is third biggest killer in the UAE: DHCC

Cancer is the third leading cause of death in the UAE, after cardiovascular disease and accidents, according to a media statement issued by the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) on the sidelines of the ongoing 2014 edition of Arab Health.

According to DHCC, limited oncology services are reasons behind Dubai residents travelling abroad for treatment.

However, the authority said that, by next year, Dubai’s cancer care capacity is set to rise as Mediclinic City Hospital expansion will have an advanced oncology unit at DHCC.

The project, which is due for completion by the third quarter of 2015, will complement measures to increase capacity in cancer care and provide the latest diagnostic technology, DHCC said.

On the sidelines of the 2014 edition of Arab Health, Dubai Healthcare City, a health and wellness destination that brings together a wealth of services in healthcare, medical education and research, and its business partner Mediclinic City Hospital, unveiled details of the expansion.

Mediclinic City Hospital was the first multi-speciality hospital to open in DHCC. Its expansion was announced at last year’s Arab Health.

The North Wing of Mediclinic City Hospital will offer among, other specialties, oncology services like diagnostic, medical and radiotherapy modalities. It will house 43 outpatient consultation suites, 17 day care rooms, 12 dialysis suites, 11 dedicated oncology beds, two theatres and a rehabilitation centre with two fully-equipped gymnasiums. The North Wing will also include an expanded reference laboratory which will service not only the Mediclinic Middle East group but also the entire UAE healthcare community.

The North Wing will offer therapeutic modalities for all types of cancer and will support already existing units such as Mediclinic City Hospital’s Breast Care Unit, which employs a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer.

The new oncology unit will be built in association with Mediclinic Group’s sister company in Switzerland, Hirslanden Private Hospital Group, known as one of Europe’s leading cancer centers.

Commenting on the progress of Mediclinic City Hospital expansion, Marwan Abedin, CEO, DHCC, said: “DHCC’s vision is to be an integrated centre of excellence for clinical and wellness services. In this, Mediclinic City Hospital’s expansion is a shared goal – to address capacity gaps and provide integrated services. As DHCC, we forge key partnerships to bring together a wealth of services under one roof.”

David Hadley, CEO, Mediclinic Middle East, added: “The North Wing extension of Mediclinic City Hospital in DHCC continues apace. Thanks to agreements now in place with our technology partners Varian Medical Systems International AG and GE Healthcare, I am very excited by the even wider levels of service that will be available to our patients once the facility opens its doors in 2015.”

Dr Tarek Fathey, Director of Mediclinic City Hospital, said: “DHCC has been very supportive of our plans and has been working closely with us to ensure that operations start smoothly once the construction starts.”

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