The healthcare sector is experiencing unprecedented transformations, driven by rapid advancements in technology, extensive training programmes, and a dedicated focus on innovation. Healthcare groups in the region are swiftly adapting to these technological advancements, with the ADX-listed Burjeel Holdings leading the charge.
The group is committed to enhancing its capabilities by creating a robust ecosystem that expands its offerings. This forward-looking vision, which extends to 2030, is built on a comprehensive strategy that includes technology-led transformations, innovations, in-depth training programmes, and academic advancements. By prioritising these areas, Burjeel Holdings is elevating its standards and setting new benchmarks for the entire healthcare industry in the region as it continues to expand its regional footprint to Saudi Arabia.
Building an ecosystem for complex care
Central to Burjeel Holdings’ strategy is creating a comprehensive ecosystem for complex care. This initiative encompasses various facets, including technology integration, research endeavors, and training programmes, all aimed at enhancing the group’s capabilities and ensuring superior patient outcomes. By fostering a synergistic environment, Burjeel Holdings seeks to elevate the standard of care across its facilities and consolidate its position as a premier healthcare provider.
“Our foremost commitment lies in advancing sophisticated capabilities within complex care and technological innovation, recognising these as pivotal tools to sculpt the future of healthcare. Our pursuit is to establish pioneering benchmarks in patient care, nurturing innovation, and enriching the welfare of our communities,” said John Sunil, Group CEO, Burjeel Holdings.
Embracing technological innovations
Recognising the transformative potential of technology in healthcare, Burjeel Holdings is investing significantly in state-of-the-art solutions. From deploying Oracle Cerner for healthcare management to leveraging robotics for precision surgery, the group is at the forefront of technological innovation. Additionally, data analytics and AI-led solutions are being harnessed to optimise patient care processes and enhance operational efficiency.
Through strategic partnerships like the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Burjeel Holdings is dedicated to advancing patient care standards. The MoU focuses on harnessing the power of cutting-edge technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions in order to enhance patient care and healthcare outcomes in Emergency Departments, underscoring the group’s commitment to innovation in healthcare delivery.
The group’s dedication to patient empowerment extends beyond conventional technologies to explore innovations in deep tech, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the positive impact these advancements can have.
Empowering through education and training
At the heart of Burjeel Holdings’ success lies its focus on education and training. The group is partnering with national and international institutions to train and improve specialised skills in nursing. Establishing a simulation centre for training underscores Burjeel Holdings’ commitment to preparing healthcare professionals for the challenges of tomorrow. Burjeel Holdings also is also exploring the use of AI to enhance the learning experience.
Ms. Michelle Gunn, Chief Nursing Officer at Burjeel Holdings, highlights the group’s dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning among its workforce. “By investing in specialised training programmes and embracing emerging educational technologies, we ensure our personnel have the necessary skills to deliver exceptional care. Moreover, initiatives such as residency and fellowship programmes demonstrate our commitment to nurturing talent and building a sustainable healthcare workforce for the future,” said Ms. Gunn.
Launching a comprehensive medical education framework signifies the group’s focus on equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to excel in their fields. By tailoring programmes to suit the region’s environment, Burjeel Holdings fosters a culture of continuous learning and creates a sustainable healthcare workforce for the future.
“Since 2018, we have invested substantially in training junior doctors and offering internship programmes to physicians. We also provide on-the-job training for our workforce, conducting more than 350 training sessions annually. Furthermore, we are preparing to begin our residency and fellowship programmes,” said Dr. Tahani Al Qadiri, Director – Emiratisation and Academics at Burjeel Holdings.
Driving innovation through research
Through strategic alliances, the group seeks to drive innovation and elevate standards of patient care on a global scale. By leveraging the collective expertise of its international partnerships, Burjeel Holdings is poised to shape the future of healthcare delivery in the region and beyond. The group’s scholars and clinicians work together to hand-pick key research questions that reflect diagnostic and management challenges experienced throughout the patient journey.
The Centre for Research on Rare Blood Disorders (CR-RBD) at Burjeel Holdings is fully dedicated to advancing knowledge, addressing evidence gaps, and overcoming unmet needs for patients with rare blood disorders such as thalassemia, sickle cell disease, hemophilia, and other rare blood disorders. It is also committed to expanding the literature with expert and systematic reviews on contemporary topics of global interest.
Burjeel Holdings is at the forefront of novel therapeutics research, conducting various clinical trials including two phase three global clinical trials of a disease-modifying therapy (Mitapivat) for alpha and beta-thalassemia in adults, with one trial already meeting its primary endpoint. It also is also collaborating with BridgeBio on project NADER to revolutionise identification of patients with rare diseases in the UAE and the region, and matching them to clinical trial opportunities.
Burjeel Holdings recently hosted the WIN Symposium 2024, the prestigious WIN Consortium’s annual global Congress, in Abu Dhabi. Its flagship facility, BMC — Burjeel Medical City, is the only member from the UAE and GCC in this elite network that is committed to advancing cancer research through omic platforms, aiming to enhance precision oncology on a global scale. As part of the network, BMC is poised to serve as a catalyst for regional collaborations within WIN programmes and projects.
“At Burjeel, we’re dedicated to driving innovation through research. We cannot solely rely on an imported evidence base, especially considering our unique genetics and environment. Understanding local associations between risk factors and disease outcomes are key to novel drug development. Clinical trials can then ensure early access to innovative medicines that can cure or transform the prospect of those disease that are common in our region” said Dr. Khaled Musallam, Group Chief Research Officer, Burjeel Holdings.
Regional hub for medical tourism
In addition to its focus on technology, training, and innovation, Burjeel Holdings is strategically positioning itself as a regional hub for medical tourism. With a commitment to providing world-class care to international patients, the group’s hospitals have become sought-after destinations for medical tourists from around the globe. By providing comprehensive services tailored to the needs of international patients, Burjeel Holdings is reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a premier medical tourism destination.
Since its inception three years ago, the group’s flagship facility BMC – Burjeel Medical City, has treated international patients from over 70 countries, coming for routine and complex procedures, including bone marrow transplant, kidney transplant, and complex oncology cases, as well as patients evacuated from other countries.
Burjeel Holdings has gone to the granular detailing of each encounter of an international patient, including providing international patients with a second opinion, teleconsultations, treatment packages, appointment booking, medical visa assistance, hotel booking, airport transfer, and a single-point-of-contact, to name a few.
The group has partnered with some of the world’s best institutes, such as Paley Clinic, IFEM Endo Institute, and Northwell Health, and is opening their delivery centres within BMC, signaling a reversal in the trend of outbound medical tourists from the GCC traveling to the US, UK, and Europe.
Expansion to Saudi Arabia
Taking a stride toward broadening its complex care ecosystem, Burjeel Holdings has ventured into the Saudi Arabia market, bringing forth specialised offerings tailored to meet unique healthcare needs. In the Kingdom, Burjeel Holdings focuses on enhancing public health and disease prevention through innovative and evidence-based healthcare practices as part of its Vision 2030.
Initiatives such as PhysioTherabia, a first-of-its-kind physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and wellness network, exemplify the group’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services across borders. The first 12 PhysioTherabia centres are located in cities like Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Yanbu and Al Khobar, with plans to expand to 60 centres by the close of 2025.
PhysioTherabia’s rehabilitation technologies, including imoove®, Gait analysis, and Lokomat, offer tangible solutions for patients suffering from conditions such as strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and other neuromuscular diseases, ensuring they have an opportunity for an independent, healthier quality of life. PhysioTherabia aims to begin the rehabilitation process before injuries occur by focusing on preventive rehabilitation.
Burjeel Holdings has also announced the launch of two Specialised Day Surgery Centres, which will provide advanced minimally invasive procedures across key specialties such as Oncology, Advanced Gynecology, Orthopedics, and Neurology.
Innovating towards 2030 and beyond, Burjeel Holdings is reshaping healthcare standards through a dynamic blend of technology, training, and strategic expansion. As it pursues regional expansion, the group continues to pioneer advancements in complex care, setting a trajectory towards transformative impact and global recognition.
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