Abu Dhabi: Burjeel Holdings has launched a Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Centre at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step towards redefining the standard of care for individuals with inherited blood disorders.
According to Emirates News Agency, the launch took place under the patronage and in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Shaikha bint Saif bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, wife of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to His Highness the President and Chairperson of the Emirates Thalassemia Society. In her opening speech, Sheikha Shamma emphasized her mother's commitment to thalassemia patients and highlighted the transformative impact of compassion paired with vision and persistence.
The newly inaugurated Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Centre by Burjeel Holdings is designed to provide comprehensive care to patients and their families. The centre was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by high-profile figures including H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, Omran Al Khoori, Board Member, and other Burjeel leaders. Additionally, members of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Thalassemia Society and leaders from the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi were present.
The centre supports individuals with thalassemia and sickle cell disease by offering a holistic and patient-centric model of care. A multidisciplinary team of experts ensures that the care provided is evidence-based. Among the services offered are integrated outpatient services and a dedicated transfusion unit available seven days a week. Key differentiators of the centre include extended transfusion services across the UAE, internationally validated MRI quantification of iron overload, and in-house molecular genotyping capabilities.
Prof. Khaled Musallam, Group Chief Research Officer of Burjeel Holdings and Director of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Centre, noted the centre's unique combination of global clinical expertise, access to the latest therapies, and adherence to international guidelines. The centre also collaborates with an international advisory board to maintain global standards while adapting to local needs.
In collaboration with the Centre for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD) at BMC, the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Centre aims to enroll eligible patients in global clinical trials. This partnership ensures access to the latest innovations, including disease-modifying and curative therapies. CR-RBD has rapidly gained recognition as a leading research hub for hemoglobin disorders worldwide.