Dr. Suad Sajwani, a leading Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Carefologist, and Chairperson for Transplant Services at Emirates Health Services (EHS), sheds light on the significant strides being made in critical care medicine and organ donation and transplantation in the UAE.
Dr. Sajwani says the transplant program focusing on kidney transplants. Since then, 20 cases have been successfully performed, primarily from deceased donors. While acknowledging it’s a new program, the ambition is clear: to become a high-volume transplant center. Future plans include expanding to other organs such as the liver and heart.
The biggest challenge, especially concerning deceased donation, is societal perception and education. It’s a relatively new concept in Arab societies, and convincing the public, and even some healthcare providers, remains a hurdle. Dr. Sajwani emphasizes the need for proper education to ensure the right perception of deceased donation.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges: Emirates Health Services, in collaboration with the “Hayatt” program (the national organ donation program), has been actively conducting workshops for healthcare professionals, particularly ICU doctors and nurses, and emergency department physicians, since December 2023. These educational efforts are ongoing. Furthermore, working hand-in-hand with the Hayatt national program helps educate both staff and the wider society. The impact of media in raising awareness has been significant, with patients proactively seeking information and expressing interest in becoming donors. This collective effort from media, health professionals, and even donor families sharing their experiences, has led to a remarkable jump in donation rates since 2020.
Innovations at the Conference: During the conference’s transplant track, Dr. Sajwani noted impressive advances in transplant medicine. A key highlight was the discussion on robotic surgeries utilizing artificial intelligence in transplant procedures. Another significant innovation that impressed her was the development of perfusion machines, which can pump organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys, allowing them to remain viable for longer periods outside the body.
