Visiting Consultants Office (VCO) at Emirates Health Services (EHS) achieved exceptional accomplishments in 2024, reinforcing its position as a leading destination for attracting global medical expertise. Last year saw a significant increase in the number of visiting consultants to the foundation’s healthcare facilities and the specialties covered, positively impacting the quality of healthcare provided.
Dr. Essam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS, confirmed that these achievements reflect the foundation's commitment to providing innovative and sustainable medical care. The Visiting Doctors Program (VCP) is considered one of the strategic initiatives that enhances the quality of healthcare in the country, particularly when dealing with exceptional or complex cases requiring specialized expertise, contributing to establishing the UAE as a leading medical destination.
Dr. Noor Al Muhairi, Director of the Visiting Doctors Programme at EHS, pointed out that the success of the office in attracting international consultants enhances the quality of medical services and provides opportunities for local staff to enhance their knowledge and expertise. She said, "We are currently looking to expand the scope of remote medical consultations, introduce advanced therapeutic technologies, and enhance continuous medical training and education programs, ensuring the sustainability of healthcare excellence in the country."
In 2024, VCO attracted 164 consultants from a selection of international experts and practitioners, who conducted 701 specialized surgeries and provided 3,673 medical consultations in 49 different specialties. These visits played a crucial role in enhancing the ability of the foundation’s healthcare facilities to provide advanced services according to the highest global standards. The program also successfully strengthened the foundation's regional position by conducting more than 400 robotic surgeries in gynecology, making it the first health entity in the Middle East to achieve this number.
As part of its efforts to develop specialized services, VCO contributed to the activation of home-based artificial respiration for children, in addition to launching a cleft lip surgery program for children in partnership with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, performing 60 successful surgeries since the program's inception. The office also carried out 300 cardiac catheterizations and 25 open-heart surgeries as part of its efforts to develop heart disease treatment services at Al Qassimi Hospital and Al Qassimi Women’s and Children’s Hospital. It also utilized smart technologies for early stroke detection using artificial intelligence in hospitals.
Strengthening Global Partnerships in Healthcare Sector
VCO expanded its strategic partnerships by signing 20 MOUs with prestigious global hospitals and medical centers, including Henry Ford Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, and The University of Chicago Medicine, among others. These partnerships have contributed to supporting the foundation’s efforts in enhancing medical tourism and attracting patients seeking specialized care at world-class levels.
Active Participation in Renowned Conferences and Scientific Forums
Since its inception, VCO has played a pivotal role in training and developing the capabilities of healthcare staff. It launched more than 145 training courses, benefiting over 3,000 healthcare practitioners, in addition to its active participation in numerous specialized conferences and prestigious scientific forums. These achievements continue to cement its position as one of the key initiatives supporting the EHS’s efforts to develop the healthcare sector in the UAE.