KFSHRC Command Center at the Core of Digital Transformation and Care Excellence

 

AI-Driven System Enhances Patient Flow, Cuts Delays, and Elevates Care Quality

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) has advanced healthcare efficiency through its Capacity Command Center, a strategic pillar in the hospital’s digital transformation journey. The Center has significantly optimized hospital-wide performance while delivering more responsive, patient-centered care.

Established to modernize operations and elevate care, the Center provides real-time visibility across the patient journey—from admission to discharge—powered by a locally developed color-coded alert system that flags bottlenecks and enables timely intervention. This has improved operational efficiency and patient experience by streamlining admissions, discharges, and transfers, resulting in faster recovery, better resource use, and smoother clinical handovers.

Building on this foundation, the Center leverages AI and big data to forecast patient volumes, identify pressure points, and guide precise resource allocation. These capabilities are reinforced by ongoing technical reporting, data mining, and performance reviews that translate insights into continuous institutional improvement.

These innovations have led to a 14% reduction in average length of stay (ALOS) and a 19% drop in emergency department congestion, boosting patient recovery, bed availability, and patient safety. In parallel, overall hospital activity grew, with new patient admissions increasing by 10.3% to 46,476 in 2024, reflecting enhanced throughput and capacity management.

Central to KFSHRC’s transformation agenda, the Command Center exemplifies how AI and real-time analytics enable predictive, evidence-based decisions, advancing its mission to deliver high-quality, specialized care through a scalable intelligent healthcare model.

It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 15th globally in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for the third consecutive year and recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, it was included in the World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine. For more information, visit www.kfshrc.edu.sa or contact our media team at mediacoverage@kfshrc.edu.sa.

From Commitment to Change: Leaders Call for Action to Bridge a Gap in Surgical Access

 

PRESS RELEASE

Experts hear that it would take 300 years to train enough surgeons to meet global demand

GENEVA, Switzerland, May 30, 2025/ -- At a pivotal World Health Assembly (WHA) side event in Geneva, the non-governmental organizations Mercy Ships (MercyShips.org) and Operation Smile commemorated a decade of leadership in global efforts to enhance access to equitable surgical care. This event brought together global leaders, health ministers, and experts to celebrate progress, and confront the urgent challenges that remain in delivering safe, affordable surgical care to all.   Despite growing awareness and political resolutions that have been adopted, 5 billion people still lack access to safe, affordable surgical care. (Global Surgery 2030: evidence and solutions for achieving health, welfare, and economic development - The Lancet) (https://apo-opa.co/4jK2VZL). This gap between commitment and reality was a central theme throughout the event held during the 78th WHA last Wednesday.   Dr. Neema Kaseje, a pediatric humanitarian surgeon working in Kakuma Refugee Camp, emphasized the human stories behind those statistics: women in urgent need of lifesaving C-sections and children with congenital conditions kept from the opportunity of attending school.   “We now know that 5 billion people lack access to surgery. But operationally, we are far behind. Access alone isn’t enough,” she added. “Poor-quality surgical services can worsen outcomes. We need to ensure access to high-quality care, especially in fragile and rural contexts.”   Echoing that, Dr. Barnabas Alayande, General Surgeon and faculty member at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda said, “Even after training 2,500 surgeons since 2015, surgical workforce density has barely increased, just 0.06 per 100,000. At the current pace of workforce development, it could take 300 years to train enough surgeons to meet global demand. We need to start thinking creatively: leveraging technology like telementoring, hub-and-spoke models, and place-based education to improve rural retention. We must rethink who we train, where and how.”   Political Commitment   A highlight came from Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ghana’s Minister of Health, who delivered a powerful address, underscoring the nation’s commitment to equitable surgical care. Highlighting the September 2024 launch of Ghana’s National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP), he framed access to surgical services as a matter of justice, not just health.   The plan, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3, is built around six pillars, from infrastructure to financing. In less than a year, Ghana has assessed over 100 facilities for surgical facilities, trained more than 300 providers, and procured essential equipment.   “Surgical indicators have been incorporated into Ghana’s national health information system (DHIMS), and the country is moving toward a 20% salary incentive for health workers in rural areas to improve retention,” he said.   While Ghana demonstrates what is possible, other nations remain stalled. Dr. Emmanuel Makasa, a longtime advocate and orthopedic surgeon, emphasized that political will must translate into horizontal integration, not isolated or vertical programs.   “Innovation is also essential. We need regional collaboration to produce critical surgical supplies such as sutures, blades, and IV fluids, so countries can support each other and reduce dependency. Sustainability comes not from rhetoric, but from action, integration, and innovation that is rooted in system-wide responsibility.”   Building for the Future   While the past decade focused heavily on data, indicators, definitions, and metrics, several speakers highlighted the need to now use that foundation to drive transformation.   “The focus on metrics, definitions, and data collection has been foundational,” said Dr. Caroline Haylok-Loor, Anesthesiologist and President-elect of the World Federation of the Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA) council. “It gave us direction, tangible solutions backed by evidence from studies and systematic reviews. Now we are aware; there is clarity about the challenges and where we need to go.”   Dr. Teri Reynolds, who leads Clinical Services in the department of Integrated Health System at the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted how the movement has inspired a new generation of health professionals, surgeons and anesthesiologists who gained opportunities and experiences they wouldn’t have had without the pathways opened by the global surgery movement.   Partnership as a Driving Force  A recurring theme of the evening was the power of partnership. Dr. Ayala issued a powerful call for multisectoral collaboration. Governments cannot do it alone. NGOs, foundations, and the private sector must work together, sharing expertise and learning, to transform partnerships into sustainable impact.   Marina Anselme, Secretary General of the MSC Foundation, shared how industry and the private sector can play a supporting but vital role in strengthening health systems. “We support Mercy Ships and Operation Smile by transporting emergency medical items and enabling free surgical care around the world. In addition, we are co-financing the construction of a new hospital ship, committing to cover 50% of its cost over the next three years.”   To close the evening, Dr. Walt Johnson, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Mercy Ships, underscored that partnerships are not just rhetoric; they are the engine driving progress in global surgery.   “If you recall, Millennium Development Goal 8 was about partnerships. So is SDG 17, which, in reality, remains in existence until 2030,” he said. “Every one of you, whether from member states, regional offices, or academic institutions, has a role and is a partner. Everything we do depends on partnership. It’s fundamental to getting across the finish line for global surgery.”   With stronger policy implementation, coordinated action, and a shared commitment to equity, the global health community is moving closer to a future where access to surgery is not a privilege, but a guarantee for all.

Merck Foundation marks ‘World Art Day’ through their Film, Song, Media and Fashion Awards 2025 in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies to raise awareness about social & health issues

 

PRESS RELEASE

Through this dynamic community, Dr. Kelej continues to raise awareness on critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa and beyond

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ACCRA, Ghana, May 27, 2025/ -- Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks 'World Art Day 2025' through their Pan African 'Art and Fashion with Purpose' Community, established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Through this dynamic community, Dr. Kelej continues to raise awareness on critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and fostering a cultural shift within their communities. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 emphasized, “I am delighted to mark ‘World Art Day 2025’ as I strongly believe that art, fashion, and media hold immense power in raising awareness and addressing critical social and health issues—ultimately creating a culture shift in the communities. Art and fashion, to me, go far beyond aesthetics or entertainment, they serve as meaningful tools for education and advocacy. With this vision, we have launched many initiatives including our first-ever pan-African TV program, Our Africa by Merck Foundation, which uniquely highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of our 'Fashion and Art with Purpose' community. Through this one-of-a-kind show and our other unique initiatives, we continue to raise awareness about critical social issues such as Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, Stopping Gender-Based Violence, Women’s Empowerment, and also about health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and much more.” ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa. The program has captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa. The TV program has been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like KTN HOME (Kenya), GH One & TV3 (Ghana), NTV (Uganda), BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), QTV (The Gambia), KTN (Kenya), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa TV (Malawi), Deffi Media (Mauritius), AYV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC (Zambia), ZTN (Zimbabwe), NTV (Namibia) and more. “Our Africa” TV Program is currently on social media handles of Social Media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4mzSM4h), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4kavDnf), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/43MMpTJ) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/3Sk5GWj) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3Z2Sh8Q), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4mtANwh), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/3HdiGKR) and YouTube (http://apo-opa.co/4mAhyBm). Watch the Promo of the Program here: https://apo-opa.co/3ZE1Riz Beyond Our Africa TV Program, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa announces annually 8 important Awards, under two themes, for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers, and potential young African talents in these fields. The themes of the two categories of awards are: 1) Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls’ Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and/ or Women Empowerment at all levels and 2) promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. The 2025 editions were announced during the 11th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary held in Tanzania in October 2024. Dr. Kelej emphasized, “It is very well known that Africa’s creativity reflects its rich heritage, expressed in the form of art, fabrics, music, and storytelling and is carried forward through generations. Hence, we launch these awards annually, with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”. Through our Awards, we aim to inspire the continent's youth to use their innate talents to address our important and critical social and health issues, by raising awareness through their creative work at all levels.” Entries for the Awards can be sent to: submit@merck-foundation.com Also, as a part of the Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has created over 30 songs with many African Artists, in English, French, Portuguese and also local African languages to address critical issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, diabetes awareness, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and more. Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa has also launched 8 Children’s Storybooks in three languages: English, French and Portuguese. Additionally, Merck Foundation has adapted these storybooks to create interesting animation films with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important issues with an aim of instilling change at grassroot levels. To listen to the Merck Foundation songs, read Merck Foundation storybooks and watch Merck Foundation animation films, click on the below links:   https://apo-opa.co/4mxJJkr https://apo-opa.co/43LUacy  Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

التخصصي يُعزز الطب الشخصي بحلول ثلاثية الأبعاد ويحقق اعتماد الأيزو العالمي للجودة‎

 

الرياض

حصل قسم خدمات الطباعة الطبية ثلاثية الأبعاد في مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث على شهادة الآيزو الدولية (13485:2016) للجودة في صناعة الأجهزة والمستلزمات الطبية، تتويجاً لالتزامه بالمعايير العالمية لأنظمة إدارة الجودة في تصميم وتصنيع الأجهزة الطبية، ما يعكس كفاءة المستشفى في تقديم حلول مبتكرة ومُصممة خصيصًا في البيئات السريرية المعقدة، مع ضمان ومراقبة جودة صارمة.

وقد أصبح قسم خدمات الطباعة ثلاثية الأبعاد ركنًا أساسيًا في منظومة الرعاية الصحية الدقيقة بالتخصصي، إذ يعمل على إنتاج نماذج تشريحية مصممة خصيصًا لحالة كل مريض، وأدلة جراحية، وأطراف صناعية وزرعات طبية، ما يُسهم في رفع دقة التخطيط الجراحي وتقليص زمن العمليات.

وخلال العام 2023، أنتج قسم الطباعة الطبية ثلاثية الأبعاد أكثر من 1,100 عينة مطبوعة محليًا، إلى جانب أكثر من 5,000 نموذج محاكاة رقمي، ما أدى إلى تقليص مدة العمليات بنسبة 30%، وخفض نسبة المضاعفات الجراحية بـ 85%، في انعكاس جلي لتأثير هذه التقنية في تحسين جودة الرعاية.

وقد حظيت هذه الجهود المتقدمة بعدة اعترافات محلية ودولية، إذ تم تصنيف التخصصي ضمن أفضل 20 جهة حكومية سعودية في مؤشر جاهزية تبني التقنيات الناشئة لعام 2025، كما فاز مشروع الطباعة ثلاثية الأبعاد بجائزة التميز العالمية في إدارة المشاريع التقنية لعام 2024، والمقدمة من المنتدى العالمي لإدارة المشاريع. (GPMF)

ويأتي هذا الإنجاز في إطار التوجه الاستراتيجي لمستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث نحو تعزيز الابتكار وتبني أحدث التقنيات الطبية، بما يتماشى مع رؤيته في أن يكون الخيار الأمثل لكل مريض في مجال الرعاية الصحية التخصصية، وسعيه المستمر لتقديم أعلى مستويات الجودة في بيئة تعليمية وبحثية متكاملة.

يُذكر أن مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث صُنف الأول في الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا والـ 15 عالميًا ضمن قائمة أفضل 250 مؤسسة رعاية صحية أكاديمية حول العالم لعام 2025، والعلامة التجارية الصحية الأعلى قيمة في المملكة والشرق الأوسط، وذلك بحسب "براند فاينانس" (Finance Brand) لعام 2024، كما أدرج ضمن قائمة أفضل المستشفيات الذكية في العالم لعام 2025 من قبل مجلة نيوزويك (Newsweek).

GIG GULF SECURES CATEGORY "A" HEALTH INSURANCE LICENSE UNDER NEW REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IN OMAN

MUSCAT, Oman, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GIG Gulf has achieved a landmark milestone in Oman, becoming one of the first insurers to be awarded a Category "A" license by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). This license grants GIG Gulf the authority to provide and manage health insurance under the Sultanate's newly established 'Health Insurance Participation' framework, positioning the company at the forefront of a transformative shift in Oman's healthcare landscape.

As one of the first insurers to receive this license, GIG Gulf is now officially authorized to offer and manage health insurance products in Oman. The FSA introduced this new licensing framework to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve service quality, and boost premium retention within the Sultanate. It also establishes a co-insurance model, enabling licensed B insurers to take a share of health business from licensed A insurers. This ensures sustainability, data protection, and a customer-centric approach for the Omani population.

Mehdi Al Harthy, General Manager of GIG Gulf Oman, said, "We are committed to leveraging our expertise and technology to deliver tailored insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of individuals and businesses across Oman. Our focus is on building long-term partnerships and enhancing customer experience through transparency, accessibility, and trust."

He added, "With less than 20% of the population currently insured, the market opportunity is substantial. We are investing in infrastructure, IT systems, and talent to expand our client base and product offerings, ensuring that we meet evolving market demands and consistently deliver the highest quality service. We also thank the FSA for their leadership in fostering a resilient and inclusive health insurance ecosystem in Oman."

This achievement underscores GIG Gulf's commitment to innovation, regulatory excellence, and delivering high-quality healthcare protection to Oman's residents. It also positions the company as a market leader as the FSA rolls out the framework for regulating health insurance in the country.

ABOUT GIG GULF

GIG Gulf is part of the Gulf Insurance Group (GIG), the #1 largest regional composite insurer with companies in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Algeria, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. Its reported consolidated assets stand at US$3.8 billion as of 31 December 2023.

GIG Gulf is an 'A' rated regional insurer with a top 5 position in each of its markets. GIG Gulf has been present in the GCC region for over 70 years with a strategic focus on both growth and investments and is a 1-stop shop offering a wide range of insurance products and services that cater to a broad variety of needs for corporates, SMEs, and individual customers throughout UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar. GIG Gulf also owns a 50% stake in GIG Saudi.

GIG Gulf is a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, a holding company headquartered in Toronto, Canada, which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management.

With a workforce of over 800 employees across 12 branches and retail shops region-wide and over 1 million customers, GIG Gulf is a caring partner that encourages customers to achieve their goals and live an inspiring and fulfilling life. Obsessed with customer feedback and continuously evolving to become the region's digital insurer of reference, GIG Gulf is also focused on making a difference for customers, partners and communities through strong CSR commitments.

Recognised as a leading insurance brand, GIG Gulf has been winning several awards for its quality of services and products, most recently winning, The Health Insurer of the Year award by MENA II 2022, 2023 and 2025 Award, The Middle East Leadership Awards and received the ISO 2700 Certificate.

For more information, visit www.gig-gulf.com and follow us on:
https://twitter.com/giggulf
https://www.linkedin.com/company/giggulf
https://www.facebook.com/giggulf/
https://www.instagram.com/giggulf/

Mindray تطرح الجيل التالي من نظام مراقبة المرضى من سلسلة BeneVision V لأول مرة في معرض Euroanaesthesia 2025

شنجن، الصين, 25 مايو / أيار 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- أعلنت شركة Mindray (المدرجة في بورصة شنجن تحت الرمز: 300760)، وهي شركة عالمية رائدة في مجال تطوير تقنيات الرعاية الصحية، حل BeneVision V Series لمراقبة المرضى في معرض Euroanaesthesia 2025 في لشبونة. يوفر هذا النظام المتقدم، المدعوم بمنصة أجهزة جديدة قوية، ابتكارات هي الأولى من نوعها في مجال تقييم ديناميكية الدم المتكاملة بالموجات فوق الصوتية وسير عمل مراقبة المريض عبر الكابلات، مما يعيد تعريف جهاز المراقبة بجانب السرير كمحور ديناميكي للطب الدقيق.

شارك رالف تشاو، المدير العام للمبيعات والتسويق في شركة Mindray لمراقبة المرضى ودعم الحياة، قائلاً: "يعمل نظامنا الجديد لمراقبة المرضى على تعزيز معايير الرعاية في المستقبل لمساعدة الأطباء على الاطلاع على حالة المريض ككل، والاستفادة بشكل أفضل من البيانات متعددة الوسائط من أجهزة مختلفة للحصول على رؤى قابلة للتنفيذ."

لقد أدى الاستخدام المتزايد للموجات فوق الصوتية في نقاط الرعاية في وحدة العناية المركزة إلى تحويل تقييم المرضى وإدارتهم. تتصل سلسلة BeneVision V Series الجديدة مع أنظمة الموجات فوق الصوتية بما في ذلك الموجات فوق الصوتية المحمولة باليد TE Air، لدمج بيانات التصوير بشكل منهجي لدعم اتخاذ القرارات بشكل أكثر وضوحا. يُمكّن هذا الابتكار السريري الأطباء من الحصول على صور أوضح بالموجات فوق الصوتية على الشاشة، بحيث يمكنهم تصور نتائج الموجات فوق الصوتية وتحليلها وتوثيقها في الوقت الفعلي ومن خلال الاتجاهات التاريخية. تعمل أداة HemoSight™ المطورة على مواءمة المؤشرات المستمدة من الموجات فوق الصوتية مع العلامات الحيوية للتقييم المتزامن، مما يولد صورة أكثر شمولاً لدورة الدم لاتخاذ القرار في الوقت المناسب.

يُعد جهاز MRV Pod ^TM إنجازًا مبتكرًا آخر يعزز مراقبة العلامات الحيوية في رعاية الحالات الحرجة، ويحسّن من حركة المرضى ويحسّن سير العمل السريري. ينقل هذا الحل الأول من نوعه في الصناعة، وهو حل كامل المقاييس وخفيف الكابلات، بيانات العلامات الحيوية لاسلكيًا إلى شاشة BeneVision V Series. وهذا يحرر المرضى من الكابلات الموجودة بجانب السرير، مما يسمح لهم بالتنقل دون عوائق مع تبسيط سير العمل وإدارة الكابلات للممرضات. وبالاقتران مع جهاز مراقبة النقل BeneVision N1 المعترف به على نطاق واسع، يدعم الحل الجديد المراقبة المستمرة أثناء نقل المرضى للحصول على رعاية فعالة ومتكاملة.

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، يتميز جهاز VMAX الأفضل في فئته بشاشة سعوية بدقة 4K UHD في تصميم فائق الرقة. تضمن أضواء الإنذار المرئية بزاوية 360 درجة إمكانية رؤية التنبيهات الحرجة من أي زاوية، مما يقلل من الإنذارات الفائتة ويعزز السلامة. تسمح الواجهة سريعة الاستجابة التي تعمل باللمس بالتنقل السلس والتخصيص السهل. يمكن للأطباء تخصيص شاشات العرض بسحب وإفلات بسيط، وضبط سعة الشكل الموجي باستخدام إيماءات القرص للتكبير.

أضاف تشاو قائلا: "من خلال تعاوننا المستمر مع المستشفيات والمؤسسات الأكاديمية، نسعى جاهدين لتمكين الأطباء من تقديم رعاية أكثر تخصيصاً وتركيزاً، مما يعزز الاهتمام بالمرضى. ونتوقع المزيد من النتائج التعاونية التي ستؤدي إلى تحسين تحليل البيانات وتطبيقاتها من أجل سير عمل أكثر كفاءة."

AI Brain Implant at KFSHRC Offers Parkinson’s Relief with 50% Less Medication

 

Riyadh hospital pioneers AI-powered therapy that delivers real-time brain stimulation for chronic neurological disorders

Riyadh

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has successfully executed a groundbreaking procedure in the Middle East, implanting an advanced smart device within the brain to help manage chronic neurological disorders. This device monitors abnormal electrical activity and sends targeted electrical impulses to the affected regions, aiming to alleviate symptoms, decrease dependence on medication, and enhance patients' quality of life, independence, and health stability.

This state-of-the-art innovation enables patients to better control neurological symptoms and potentially lower medication doses by as much as 50%, reducing side effects and improving daily activities- especially for those with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and movement disorders.

The device’s built-in artificial intelligence rapidly analyses brain signals to detect abnormal activity patterns and responds by providing targeted electrical stimulation to restore neural balance. This allows for highly accurate, adaptive treatment that adjusts to the patient’s condition in real time without requiring continuous manual intervention from healthcare professionals.

While benefits start to appear within the first few weeks post-implantation, achieving optimal results requires a fine-tuning period of one to three months, during which electrical responses are calibrated according to real-time brain signals collected by the device.

The procedure utilises minimally invasive methods lasting only three to five hours, avoiding large surgical cuts. This approach lessens recovery time, minimises complications, and encourages a quicker return to everyday activities.

This achievement highlights KFSHRC’s ongoing progress in harnessing artificial intelligence and medical innovation to provide high-precision, specialised care, meet patient needs, and shape an advanced therapeutic model for the region and beyond.

It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 15th globally in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the third consecutive year and recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, it was included in the World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine. For more information, visit www.kfshrc.edu.sa or contact our media team at mediacoverage@kfshrc.edu.sa.

Merck Foundation Marks ‘World Hypertension Day’ 2025 – Transforming Hypertension, Cardiovascular and Diabetes Care in Africa and Beyond by Providing 863 Scholarships for Doctors From 52 Countries

 

PRESS RELEASE

Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2270 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties

ABUJA, Nigeria, May 16, 2025/ -- Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Hypertension Day 2025’ in partnership with Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia through their “Nationwide Diabetes & Hypertension Blue Points Program”, by reinforcing its commitment to improving cardiovascular and diabetes care across Africa, and beyond.   Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation stated, “At Merck Foundation we observe “World Hypertension Day” by expanding access to quality and equitable care in Hypertension, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Cardiovascular preventive care, which are all co-related, by providing scholarships for young doctors from across Africa and beyond.  Together with our Ambassadors, The First Ladies of Africa, and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have till today provided more than 860 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries, of One-Year Online PG Diplomas and Two-Year Online Master’s Degrees in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Cardiology, and Obesity & Weight Management, as well as One-Year Clinical Cardiovascular Care and Clinical Diabetes Onsite Fellowship Programs in India, a special 3-month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish languages.  What is special about these scholarships is that they have been provided not only to doctors from capital cities, but also to those from across the country — ensuring wider geographic coverage of healthcare capacity. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to improve healthcare capacity and access to hypertension and diabetes care.”  Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 2270 scholarships for doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.  Dr. Dzifa Ahadzi, Merck Foundation alumnus from Ghana shares, “I have completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Cardiology and currently pursuing MSc in Cardiology. Being a practicing cardiologist, this program has provided me with the opportunity to consolidate my knowledge and apply current advances in cardiovascular care to my clinical practice. Since completing the PG Diploma in Cardiology, I have been involved in establishing a Heart Failure clinic in my hospital that caters to the needs of a diverse population of Heart Failure patients including women with Postpartum cardiomyopathy and Cardio-oncology patients.  I am extremely grateful to Merck Foundation for the support and exposure it has provided me. It has inspired me and helped me to improve cardiovascular care amongst the population that I serve.”  Merck Foundation scholarships are of great value, given that as per WHO data, the African region has the highest prevalence of hypertension, with approximately 27% of adults affected.   Therefore, Merck Foundation has launched several community awareness programs to emphasize on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension prevention, early detection and management.   Merck Foundation, together with The First Ladies of Africa, has launched a storybook and its adapted animation Film “Mark’s Pressure”.   “I believe early education is key to building a healthier community. Through our storybook and animation film “Mark’s Pressure”, we aim to instill healthy habits in children and youth — like reducing salt and sugar, eating well, exercising, and avoiding smoking. I believe that this is the only way to prevent and manage hypertension and diabetes, which are major risk factors for many serious complications and illnesses.”   Watch the “Mark’s Pressure” Animation Film here: https://apo-opa.co/4jQBfmC Moreover, Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa” conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation has episodes dedicated to raising awareness about Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.  Watch the Episodes here:   https://apo-opa.co/4dkYWkp https://apo-opa.co/432S8EI “Our Africa” TV Program has been broadcasted on National and Prime TV stations of many African countries like Burundi, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia and is currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/44CJ7n7), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4dgZ1FM), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3EUbjYg) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3SCU0On)) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/432g6jx), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4mgRYky), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/4mgRZ86) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3GV6RsE)).   Additionally, Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies, also launches annually, their Awards for best Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians/ Singers, and new potential talents in these fields from African countries to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.  1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.  Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.   2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.  Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.   3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.  Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.   4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.  Submission deadline: 30th October 2025.   Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com  Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

شركة Alamar Biosciences تُعلن عن توسيع مجموعة NULISAseq™ CNS Disease Panel 120، من خلال إطلاق تحاليل مُبتكَرة تستند إلى الدم لاكتشاف بروتين Tau الفسفوري المُشتق من الدماغ

 

تضُم هذه المجموعة الرائدة اختبارات pTau217، pTau181، pTau231، بالإضافة إلى اختبار بروتين tau الكُّلي، مما يُمثّل تقدُّمًا مهمًا في أبحاث الأمراض التنكُّسية العصبية.

فريمونت، كاليفورنيا، 16 مايو 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- كَشَفت Alamar Biosciences، المُتخصصة في تقنيات البروتيوميات الدقيقة للكشف المُبكر عن الأمراض، عن توسيع مجموعة NULISAseq™ CNS Disease Panel 120، من خلال إضافة تحاليل جديدة لبروتين tau الفسفوري (pTau) المُستخرَج من أنسجة الدماغ؛ مما يُعَزز دقة الأبحاث العصبية، حيث أصبحت المجموعة المُوَسعة تشمل بروتينات tau الفسفورية المُشتقة من الدماغ: pTau231 ،pTau181 ،pTau217، بالإضافة إلى tau الكُّلي tTau))، حيث تُقاس مباشرة من عينات الدم، مما يُوفر مُستوىً فائق الحساسية والدقة في أبحاث الأمراض العصبية التنكُّسية.

بَرز بروتين tau الفسفوري كمُؤشر حيوي بالغ الأهمية للكشف المُبكر ومُتابعة مرض الزهايمر وغيره من اضطرابات الـ tau، وتم تصميم الإضافات الجديدة ضمن لوحة CNS Disease 120 لتحديد بروتين pTau المُشتق من أنسجة الدماغ بدقة؛ مما يتخطى القيود الحالية للاختبارات التي لا تُميز بين الأنواع المركزية والمُحيطية لبروتين tau، وبهذا، تُتيح التكنولوجيا قياسًا مُتزامنًا لمجموعتين من pTau وtTau؛ إحداهما مُخَصصة لأشكال مُشتقَّة من الدماغ، والأُخرى تشمل كُلًا من الأنسجة الدماغية والمُحيطية.

صرّح دكتور Yuling Luo، المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي ورئيس مجلس إدارة Alamar Biosciences: "ظل الباحثون يبحثون عن طريقة موثوقة قائمة على تحليل الدم لتتبُّع التغيُّرات المرضية لبروتين tau المُشتق من الدماغ"، وأضاف قائلًا: "بدَمج تحاليل pTau217، pTau181، pTau231، و الـ tau الكُّلي في لوحة NULISAseq CNS Disease 120، نُوفّر للباحثين أداة دقيقة لاستكشاف النطاق الكامل للاضطرابات المُرتبطة ببروتين tau، وذلك بمستوى عالٍ من الحساسية والكفاءة التحليلية، وهذا الإنجاز من شأنه تسريع وتيرة أبحاث المُؤشرات الحيوية وتطوير العلاجات المُوَجهة لأمراض الزهايمر والاضطرابات العصبية ذات الصلة".

صرّح الدكتور Nicholas Ashton، مدير وحدة أبحاث المؤشرات الحيوية للأمراض التنكُّسية العصبية في Banner Health: "يُعَد التمَكّن من رصد أنواع بروتين tau الفسفوري (pTau) المُشتقة من الدماغ مُباشرة من عينات الدم، نقلة نوعية في استراتيجيات التشخيص المُبَكر والمُراقبة المُستمرة لمرض الزهايمر (AD) والاضطرابات المُرتبطة به"، وأضاف قائلًا: "حتى وقت قريب، لم تكن لدينا القدرة على التفريق بين pTau الدماغي والمُحيطي باستخدام تقنيات تحليل مُتعددة الأهداف، وقد أكدت الأدلة الحديثة أهمية القُدرة على اكتشاف pTau المُشتق من الدماغ لما يُوفره من دقة أعلى في تشخيص مرض الزهايمر. تُقدّم المجموعة الجديدة CNS من Alamar فرصة غير مسبوقة لتعزيز دقة التشخيص والفوائد السريرية لهذه المؤشرات الحيوية، مما سيكون له تأثير كبير على رعاية المرضى والأبحاث السريرية".

تُؤكد Alamar Biosciences التزامها المُستمر بالتعاوُن مع الباحثين في علم الأعصاب لتعزيز فِهم المؤشرات الحيوية التي تُمكّن من التشخيص المُبكر، وتصنيف المرضى سريريًا، وتتبُّع فعالية العلاجات.

للاطلاع على تفاصيل لوحة NULISAseq CNS Disease Panel 120 ومحفظة Alamar Biosciences من حلول البروتيوميات، تفضل بزيارة www.alamarbio.com.

Robotic Liver Transplants at KFSHRC Now Extended to Children

8-year-old child becomes the first to receive a liver transplant from a live donor


Riyadh

When technological precision meets the compassion of medicine, healing becomes a story worth telling. This is what unfolded at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) Riyadh, where an eight-year-old child underwent a life-saving liver lobe transplant using an advanced robotic surgical system, after liver failure had exhausted his small body and deprived him of his childhood. The high-precision technology enabled the young patient to be discharged just two weeks after surgery, half the usual recovery time, allowing him to return to a normal childhood. The medical team described the outcome as the essence of their striving to achieve.

The child’s condition required urgent intervention, complicated by the small body size and the limited space available for surgical access. However, KFSHRC’s extensive experience with robotic organ transplants in adults paved the way for adapting the technology to a paediatric case. A tailored surgical plan was developed, involving precisely repositioning the robotic instrument entry points to accommodate the child’s anatomy.

Professor Dieter Broering, Executive Director of the Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence and lead surgeon on the case, explained : "Robotic surgical techniques have traditionally been limited to adults, but we succeeded in adapting them for children, offering exceptional precision and a marked reduction in complications. The transplant required redesigning the surgical approach to suit the child’s small body and confined space, which we addressed by meticulously adjusting the entry sites for the robotic tools to ensure maximum safety."

The procedure was successfully performed by extracting the left lobe from a living donor and fully transplanting it into the child, using a robotic surgical system, without any direct manual intervention. This approach significantly minimized the size of surgical incisions. It accelerated the recovery process, allowing the child to be discharged within two weeks, compared to the usual month-long hospital stay for similar transplants.

This operation represents a ground-breaking model for expanding robotic surgery in paediatric care. The technology offers exact control, reduces surgical complications, and enhances overall safety, paving the way for the future development of child-specific robotic surgical systems.

This achievement is part of a series of milestones positioning KFSHRC as a global leader in robotic surgery. The hospital previously performed the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant and the world’s first robotic liver transplant—advancements that garnered attention from both local and international media. These breakthroughs reflect KFSHRC’s commitment to pioneering innovative medical solutions and delivering world-class specialized healthcare.

The accomplishment also represents a success of the Health Sector Transformation Program, one of the key initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030, launched by H.R.H Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister of the Kingdom. It stands as a testament to the quality of healthcare provided to all people in Saudi Arabia.

It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 15th globally in the list of the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the third consecutive year and recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, it was included in Newsweek magazine's World’s Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025. For more information, visit www.kfshrc.edu.sa or contact our media team at 








Mediacoverage@KFSHRC.edu.sa
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