UAE Achieves Milestone with First Paediatric Cardiac Biopsy at SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Under Department of Health – Abu Dhabi Supervision
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced a significant achievement with the successful completion of the UAE’s first paediatric cardiac biopsy at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), part of SEHA. This procedure was conducted to assess the cardiac status of a young patient following heart transplant surgery and represents a major advancement in paediatric healthcare within the emirate.
Landmark Procedure in Paediatric Care
The cardiac biopsy was performed on a four-year-old patient who had previously received a heart transplant abroad in 2023. The procedure was executed by Dr. Rizwan Rehman, a Consultant Paediatric and Interventional Cardiologist at SKMC, in collaboration with Dr. Joshua Philip Kanter, a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist from Children’s National Hospital in the USA.
This groundbreaking procedure was part of the DoH’s Visiting Physicians Programme, which facilitates the arrival of internationally recognized specialists to Abu Dhabi, allowing advanced medical treatments to be provided locally.
Commitment to Advancing Healthcare
Her Excellency Dr. Khuloud Abdullah, Executive Director of International Patient Care at the DoH, emphasized the importance of this achievement. She stated that it exemplifies the commitment to enhancing healthcare across all specialties in Abu Dhabi. The successful cardiac biopsy highlights the effectiveness of the Visiting Physician Programme in providing access to world-class medical expertise.
Dr. Abdullah noted that by bringing advanced treatments closer to home, the DoH is dedicated to ensuring that every child receives optimal care, contributing to a healthier future for the community.
Enhancing Local Healthcare Capabilities
Saeed Al Kuwaiti, Group Chief Executive Officer of SEHA, expressed pride in supporting the DoH’s initiative. He remarked that the Visiting Physicians Programme plays a crucial role in elevating the standard of specialized care in the emirate. By welcoming renowned experts, complex procedures can now be performed safely and effectively in Abu Dhabi, benefiting patients and their families who can access world-class treatment in a familiar environment.
Dr. Joshua Philip Kanter highlighted that this cardiac biopsy marks a significant milestone for both Sheikh Khalifa Medical City and paediatric transplant care in the UAE. It is the first successful procedure of its kind for a paediatric heart transplant patient who had received previous care abroad.
Importance of Localised Care
The Visiting Physician Programme allows families to remain close to home while receiving specialized care. This achievement underscores the long-standing collaboration with Children’s National Hospital and the impact of international partnerships in advancing paediatric healthcare.
Dr. Rizwan Rehman noted that performing a cardiac biopsy on a paediatric heart transplant patient at SKMC is a major milestone for the team and for paediatric care in the UAE. He explained that the procedure, conducted safely with Dr. Kanter’s support, reflects the growing capabilities in managing complex transplant cases. With all necessary diagnostic tests now available locally, the continuum of care for young patients is significantly improved.
Patient’s Family Expresses Gratitude
The mother of the four-year-old patient shared her heartfelt gratitude. She recounted that when her daughter was just a year and a half old, SKMC identified a weakened heart muscle, initiating a challenging journey that took them abroad for treatment. She expressed her hope for her daughter to receive care within the UAE, which has now been fulfilled.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s Healthcare Landscape
This accomplishment illustrates the vital role of the DoH’s Visiting Physicians Programme in fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing local healthcare capabilities. It enables access to specialized care within the UAE, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global healthcare hub committed to innovation and community well-being.
Since the start of 2025, the emirate has welcomed 47 visiting specialists and esteemed international experts as part of the DoH’s programme. These professionals have conducted 270 advanced surgical procedures and provided consultations and treatment to 2,200 patients with rare and complex medical cases.
As reported by www.mediaoffice.abudhabi.
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Published on 2026-03-12 00:00:00 • By Editorial Desk
