New cancer research centre to launch in Dubai

Dubai Oncology and Research Centre to open its doors by 2020

A new cancer research centre set to open in tow years will serve 4,000 patients by 2027. Getty.

A new cancer centre of excellence is set to launch in Dubai by 2020 - offering specialised treatment to hundreds of patients battling the disease.

The Dubai Oncology and Research Centre will initially provide support to 700 patients - 35 per cent of the current number of diagnosed cancer patients in the emirate - with that number rising to 4,000 by 2027.

The centre of excellence is to be managed by Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Humaid Al Qutami, director-general of DHA, said that the centre aims to provide state-of-the-art oncological services for all types of cancer and across all age groups under one roof, to reduce reliance on international centres.

Mr Al Qutami made the announcement during a visit to Dubai Hospital to inspect the centre’s progress. He revealed that while the centre will be diagnosing and treating all types of cancers, in its first phase it will focus on four types of cancer: breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer.

During his visit, specialised doctors provided an overview of the progress of the centre. They highlighted that the establishment of an oncology and research centre in Dubai is greatly needed as cancer is the third most common cause of death in the UAE.

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The new cancer centre of excellence will provide multi- specialised cancer treatment for UAE residents and medical tourists seeking treatment in Dubai.

Along with the launch of the centre, the DHA will also be putting in place strategic plans to decrease the prevalence of cancer, ensure early detection, provide quality diagnostic and treatment services, and raise awareness about the disease.

The centre will focus on providing specialised cancer research, creating a cancer patient database, promoting local and international collaborations in the field, utilising the best technology in the field and launching high-standard cancer training programmes that are on par with international standards.

Al Qutami said the centre is one of a series developmental projects set up to enhance Dubai’s health system - and put the city on the map as a leading destination for medical tourism.

He said that this is in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to provide quality healthcare services and innovative solutions that meet the growing needs of the population.

Al Qutami also said that the centre will begin providing its services in 2020, in partnership with international bodies that specialise in the field of cancer treatment and diagnosis. He said the centre will be equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies and specialised medical cadres.

Al Qutami said that the DHA is continuing its strategy to create a first-class health model that will effectively contribute to the health of UAE nationals, residents and visitors by focusing on care and treatment and prevention of all diseases, including cancer.