QRCS, Qatar Charity partners to serve heart disease patients in Yemen

DOHA: In partnership with Qatar Charity, the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) continues to support the Cardiovascular Center in Taiz, Yemen by providing medicines, medical supplies and consumables and performing 330 cardiac catheterizations so far, out of a target of 404 catheterizations free of charge.

Special attention is paid to vulnerable groups such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), low-income persons, persons with special needs and the elderly.

The centre’s deputy medical director, Dr Osama Mohamed Al-Hilali said: “The Cardiac Catheterization Department was established through the joint efforts of QRCS and Qatar Charity. It has an Azurion 3 F15, one of the most advanced medical equipment in Yemen. With its HD imaging system, it is used in diagnostic and therapeutic catheterization and stenting. It has helped improve the services offered at the centre, speed up diagnosis, reduce treatment costs and save many lives.”

According to Dr. Al Hilali, the Taiz Cardiovascular Center is the only government specialized and referral medical facility for patients in Ibb and Al Hudaydah.

“The center receives patients from all over the country who, unfortunately, cannot afford diagnostic catheterization, the primary procedure for diagnosing myocardial infarction, myocardial infarction, and other conditions that require rapid treatment because they are life-threatening and impair patients’ ability to to practice their activities of daily living,” he explained.

Director of Qatar Charity’s office in Yemen, Othman Abu Hijleh, commented: “This is one of the key life-saving projects, especially in light of the current health situation in Yemen. It saves time and money for many Yemenis. It is part of a wider health program developed by Qatar Charity and its partners to ensure better access to essential health services.”

Launched in April 2024, the project aims to increase the center’s diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical capacity as well as provide high-quality medical services for heart patients at a total cost of USD 1,141,289 (QR 4,160,000 ) from donations provided by the benevolent people of Qatar.

Since its establishment in August 2021, the Taiz Cardiovascular Center has performed major surgeries such as correction of birth defects in children, heart tumor removal, artery and valve transplant/replacement, and Tetralogy of Fallot and Glenn procedures performed by qualified doctors Yemenis. , consultants, technicians and administrative staff.