King’s College Hospital Dubai Achieves Milestone With First Paediatric Liver Transplant For 13-Month-Old

A significant medical achievement has been realised in Dubai, where a team at King’s College Hospital London successfully performed the city’s first liver transplant on a 13-month-old child. This operation, supported by the Al Jalila Foundation, highlights the collaboration between public and private healthcare sectors in Dubai. The procedure aligns with the goals of Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to enhance healthcare quality to meet global standards.

The intricate surgery was led by Prof. Mohamed Rela, a renowned liver transplant surgeon, and executed by a multidisciplinary team at King’s College Hospital London in Dubai. Al Jalila Children’s Hospital played a crucial role by providing specialised care to both the child and his father, who donated part of his liver. They also performed cardiac surgery on Malek to repair a heart defect before the liver transplant.

Dr. Younis Kazim from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) stated that this successful transplant represents an unprecedented medical achievement for Dubai. He emphasised that it showcases the healthcare system's readiness to handle complex cases efficiently. Dr. Kazim noted DHA's commitment to empowering private healthcare facilities through advanced regulations and policies.

Dr. Amer Al Zarooni of Al Jalila Foundation highlighted that this milestone reflects Dubai Health's dedication to elevating care standards. He praised the collaboration between public and private sectors and charitable organisations, acknowledging donors' vital contributions to organ transplant programmes. The foundation covered all medical costs for Malek, ensuring comprehensive care.

Dr. Hanan Ali Obaid from DHA stressed that this success underscores their commitment to providing a regulatory environment meeting international patient care standards. She explained that Dubai’s organ transplant standards align with global best practices, ensuring safety and efficacy while placing individuals at the centre of healthcare services.

Challenges Overcome in Transplant Procedure

Prof. Mohamed Rela explained Malek's condition was complex due to his age, low weight, and multiple health issues. He noted that the successful outcome demonstrates the competence of the medical team and the strength of their specialised programme involving elite consultants and experts working together for integrated care.

Dr. Rajeev Tomar from King’s College Hospital London in Dubai stated initial examinations showed severe jaundice and malnutrition in Malek, indicating a liver transplant was necessary for survival. Despite challenges like a heart defect treated at Al Jalila Hospital before the transplant, the procedure was successfully completed.

Kimberly Pierce, CEO of King’s College Hospital Dubai, remarked that this success marks a qualitative shift in Dubai's healthcare landscape by addressing urgent medical needs locally instead of requiring travel abroad. Dr. Tashfeen Siddiq Ali added that this achievement signifies a turning point in Dubai's journey towards becoming a global hub for specialised healthcare.

The collaborative efforts between various institutions have not only saved Malek's life but also demonstrated rapid advancements in Dubai's healthcare capabilities. This achievement embodies the emirate's vision of delivering high-quality comprehensive healthcare services to all community members, including children.

With inputs from WAM