Sharjah Next: Healthcare Series Launches With Focus On Health Innovation And Global Collaboration

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the launch of "Sharjah Next," a global series focusing on healthcare innovation. The event was also attended by H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK).

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, stated that the forum is more than just a scientific meeting. It signifies Sharjah's dedication to human welfare and health, reinforcing its global standing in science and innovation. He explained that SPARK aims to make Sharjah a hub for science and research, connecting knowledge with practical application.

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Al Mahmoudi elaborated on SPARK’s strategic partnerships in healthcare. These include collaborations with the Sharjah Health Authority to connect scientific research with clinical practice and with Emirates Health Services to develop frameworks for innovative healthcare solutions nationwide. Additionally, SPARK works internationally with medical institutions to advance diagnostics and therapies.

He also announced a partnership with Aster DM Healthcare, a leading regional medical institution. This collaboration opens new opportunities for researchers and innovators by bridging laboratory research with patient care. Further agreements will allow specialists in Sharjah access to preclinical molecular data for testing and research funding opportunities.

The Ruler of Sharjah participated in a panel discussion featuring Prof. Sir Magdi Yacoub, Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi from the Burjeel Cancer Institute, and Dr Vladimir Ivkovic from Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital. Sir Magdi Yacoub discussed shared factors between cardiovascular diseases and cancer, emphasizing their efforts to reduce global suffering through innovative solutions.

Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi highlighted advancements in medicine both regionally and globally. He noted the UAE’s leadership in clinical trials has led to new treatments. He stressed early cancer detection's importance and how AI-driven diagnostics have improved recovery rates.

Space Medicine and Environmental Health

Dr Vladimir Ivkovic spoke about innovations in space medicine and human health research under extreme conditions. He described how the International Space Station monitors astronauts’ health to study space's physiological effects using smart applications that track brain function and neurological activity.

Khaled Al Huraimel from Beeah Group discussed their entry into healthcare, focusing on waste recycling and sustainability. He outlined partnerships with the UAE Ministry of Health and initiatives like the Wekaya medical waste project aimed at attracting top medical talent to Sharjah.

Sharjah’s Healthcare Developments

Dr Abdulaziz Al Muhairi reviewed efforts to enhance healthcare policies locally and nationally. He highlighted Sharjah's recognition as a WHO Healthy City while stressing empowering the private sector through supportive legislation. Training programs send local trainees abroad for expertise before returning to serve in Sharjah.

The Ruler of Sharjah reviewed plans for the Jawaher Boston Medical District featuring hospitals, research centers, institutes, and laboratories offering world-class care focused on oncology studies leveraging local expertise alongside international collaboration.

Future Prospects in Healthcare Research

A special edition of Nature magazine was signed by the Ruler of Sharjah featuring insights from "Sharjah Next: Healthcare." The report highlights significant growth in neuroscience research over four years with 25% annual increases; nearly 20% focuses on neuroscience or cardiology among globally cited studies.

The forum will continue exploring topics like AI in neurological diagnostics over two days reflecting science alignment with humanity through biotechnology discussions involving academics startups industry leaders addressing digital health transformation ethics modern medicine dimensions.

With inputs from WAM