Dubai The Iranian Hospital, one of the first hospitals to be set up in Dubai in 1970, launched a new wing on October 20 with the addition of over 220 beds and several new specialties.
The landmark private hospital on Al Wasl Road, affiliated to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, became the first hospital in the region to open a highly specialised genomic diagnostic unit that can conduct accurate pre- and post-cancer tests, detect biomarkers and improve cancer therapy regimens.
The new unit called the Centre for Human Safety & Health and Diagnostic Genome Analysis is only one of five such centres in the world.
Cancer screening
Professor Firouz Darroudi, the centre’s director from Holland, told XPRESS: “We are due to become fully functional in six weeks. The centre will conduct pre-cancer screening for familial and non-hereditary diseases, besides post-cancer screening.”
He explained how genetic mutations play a key role in cancer. Most mutations occur during a person’s lifetime, while some can be inherited too. So genetic testing looks for specific inherited changes in a person’s chromosomes, genes or proteins and identify wether they can have any harmful effects or carry the risk of developing cancer.
He said the analysis is done by drawing a sample of 5ml to 10 ml of a person’s blood. “The centre is equipped to conduct around 100 tests a day and will be a big boon for the region as timely and accurate detection can bring about a 100 per cent cure,” he added.
The new wing of the Iranian Hospital added many other firsts to its laurels.
Ali Vadhani, Education and Development Manager, said: “Besides the Middle East’s first cytogenetic and DNA diagnostic lab, the new complex also houses the region’s first fully automated laboratory and a first of its kind central sterilisation and reprocessing unit. We also have a new gastro-endoscopy centre and a diagnostic imaging centre equipped with latest technology.”
The new building has also added 222 in-patient beds, 25 new sub-specialty clinics and 10 operation rooms to the hospital.
Dr Layla Al Marzouqi, Acting-Director of Dubai Health Authority’s Health Regulation Department, said: “The Iranian Hospital has served the local community and attracted medical tourists for many years. We are happy to see this level of expansion in healthcare facilities.”
