Healthpoint and Operation Smile UAE Join Forces to Transform Lives Through Surgical Interventions
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) – In a remarkable demonstration of commitment to healthcare excellence, Healthpoint, a leading integrated healthcare provider and part of the M42 group, has partnered with Operation Smile UAE to transform lives through surgical intervention for patients suffering from cleft lip and cleft palate. This collaboration, now in its seventh iteration, culminated in the successful completion of 19 surgeries, benefiting individuals aged between six months and 43 years.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are congenital conditions characterized by abnormal openings or separations in the upper lip and the roof of the mouth. These medical issues present significant challenges for affected individuals, often resulting in difficulties with eating, speaking, and, in some cases, hearing. Furthermore, untreated cleft conditions can lead to additional dental problems, severely impacting the quality of life for those affected. Globally, approximately one in every 700 children is born with such a defect, highlighting the critical need for accessible surgical solutions. Operation Smile estimates that approximately five million individuals across the various countries they serve are currently living with untreated cleft conditions, underscoring a pressing public health challenge.
Since their inception in 2020, Healthpoint has emerged as a crucial ally to Operation Smile UAE, providing state-of-the-art facilities and medical expertise aimed at addressing this humanitarian concern. To date, over 95 patients have received transformative surgical care at Healthpoint as part of this partnership.
Omar Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Healthpoint, articulated the organization’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in the region. “The long-standing partnership between Healthpoint and Operation Smile UAE showcases our commitment to advancing healthcare outcomes in the region,” he stated. “By leveraging Healthpoint’s world-class facilities and expertise, we are proud to play a role in transforming lives and giving patients a new smile.”
The surgical program not only reflects Healthpoint’s dedication to enhancing healthcare accessibility but also emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts among medical professionals. A multidisciplinary team of health care volunteers, including plastic surgeons, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, dentists, orthodontists, and speech therapists, evaluated and operated on patients hailing from diverse nationalities, such as Uzbekistan and the Philippines. This thorough assessment process took place at Healthpoint’s cutting-edge facility, ensuring a comprehensive approach to each patient’s care journey.
The surgical preparations included the use of three fully-equipped operating theaters, as well as pre- and post-operative wards designed to ensure a seamless and supportive environment for patients. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees an exceptional standard of care throughout the surgical experience, emphasizing the importance of both medical intervention and holistic support.
Morag Cromey-Hawke, Executive Director at Operation Smile UAE, expressed gratitude for Healthpoint’s enduring support. “We’re extremely grateful for Healthpoint’s continued support in helping us change the lives of patients and families affected by cleft conditions. This partnership allows us to deliver life-changing surgeries and comprehensive care and education to them. We are also indebted to the Department of Health — Abu Dhabi, which has supported Operation Smile UAE since its inception in 2011.”
The collaboration between Healthpoint and Operation Smile not only highlights advancements in medical care but also underscores a broader commitment to enhancing community health across the United Arab Emirates and beyond. This initiative aligns with M42’s overarching mission to improve healthcare accessibility, ensuring that individuals in need receive adequate care.
As the partnership continues to evolve, it serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that collective efforts play in tackling healthcare disparities. By bringing together specialized knowledge and resources, Healthpoint and Operation Smile UAE demonstrate how coordinated endeavors can yield significant improvements in health outcomes for communities, particularly in regions facing pressing medical challenges.
With such transformative initiatives, there is hope that the landscape of healthcare will continue to evolve towards a more inclusive model where patients, regardless of their circumstances, can access life-changing medical interventions.
Tags: #HealthNews #CommunityNews #UAE #OperationSmileUAE #HealthcareAccessibility