National Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Guidelines Introduced In The UAE To Enhance Patient Care

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has introduced the first national guidelines for treating Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the UAE. These guidelines, crafted by a scientific task force from the Society's Medical Advisory Committee, aim to offer optimal medical support to MS patients across the nation.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Vice Chair of NMSS, emphasised that these guidelines are grounded in the best global evidence available. "Developing the MS treatment guidelines is a pioneering effort, and their deployment by healthcare authorities will expedite their utilisation by specialists nationwide," she stated. The guidelines are designed to assist doctors in selecting suitable treatments for a broad range of patients.

The guidelines were developed after thorough research into global evidence and tailored to the unique needs of the UAE's MS community. They consider diverse health coverage and patient preferences, aiming to provide appropriate treatments to as many patients as possible while addressing data gaps affecting insurance coverage.

Dr. Ahmed Shatila, Consultant Neurologist at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and Chair of NMSS's Medical Advisory Committee, led the task force responsible for these guidelines. He remarked, "The development of the MS treatment guidelines by NMSS marks a significant step forward in the UAE's healthcare landscape." This initiative reflects recent advancements in MS care globally.

The guidelines also include advice on treatment during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for paediatric MS cases. This comprehensive approach supports a wider patient demographic. Additionally, they highlight new treatment trends like stem cell use when standard therapies fail.

These guidelines have been reviewed by leading neurologists from all Emirates and were instrumental in developing Dubai Health Authority's Multiple Sclerosis Ejadah Programme. They will be regularly updated to incorporate new medical research and clinical breakthroughs.

Publication and Additional Support

The MS treatment guidelines have been published in the Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders journal. This international publication is supported by key researchers from all neuroscience domains focusing on MS and related conditions.

In conjunction with these guidelines, NMSS has launched the first MS Helpline in the UAE. This initiative aims to enhance support for the MS community further, providing an additional resource for those affected by this condition.

This strategic collaboration with various health authorities underscores NMSS's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for people with MS in the UAE. By aligning with global advancements, these efforts promise better care for those living with this challenging condition.

With inputs from WAM