Dubai- April, 2024- Medcare Women & Children Hospital (MWCH) in Dubai has announced reaching a milestone record of administering 100 gene therapy infusions on children from around the world suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a debilitating condition that affects voluntary muscle movement of children.

Medcare Women & Children Hospital emerged as the first private healthcare facility in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa region to administer 100 gene therapy infusions on children with this rare genetic disorder causing the loss of motor neurons in their spinal cords. Most recently, the hospital administered three infusions in a single day, ensuring timely access to treatment for more patients. With 90 per cent of the patients hailing from Turkey, children from multiple countries including Romania, Russia, Belarus, Nepal, and Iran are also receiving treatment for the life-saving gene therapy for SMA at Medcare’s facility dedicated for women and children.

This condition, which results in progressive muscle weakening and atrophy, significantly impacts the quality of life of those affected. Classified into four primary types based on onset age and symptom severity, SMA manifests most severely in infants below six months, often leading to limited life expectancy.

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Medcare Women & Children Hospital stands out as one of the few healthcare facilities worldwide that provides therapy not only to older children but also to those requiring complex care, such as ventilated children.

Commenting on this momentous achievement, Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, said, “I am delighted to share that Medcare Women & Children Hospital has successfully treated 100 children facing the life-threatening challenge of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This achievement not only represents hope and recovery but also highlights our dedication to advancing medical standards in the region.”

Dr. Vivek Mundada, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist and Head of Paediatric Neurology Department at Medcare Women & Children Hospital, said, “We are proud of the strides we have made at Medcare in advancing SMA treatment in this region. Thanks to the dedication of our multidisciplinary team of specialists, including paediatric neurologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, orthopaedics, physiotherapists, and gastroenterologists. We have made significant progress in combatting this disorder with our top-notch state of the art facilities.”