Cancer patients get free blood test, transport in UAE

Easing the pain of cancer patients, a hospital in the Capital on Tuesday announced initiatives including free blood test, free transportation and creation of a social media platform to share inspiring stories, and setting up of a new multi-specialty.

The Cancer Patient Care Society (Rahma) in association with NMC Healthcare organised the 'Year of Giving Forum for UAE Cancer Patients' at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research.

NMC Healthcare said from now patients needn't come to group's hospital for blood test as a medical team will visit them at home or workplace. Patients will be provided free car service to travel to hospital from any point in the UAE. And a Facebook page - Beat Cancer is created for patients to share their views and experiences.

NMC Healthcare founder BR Shetty said he will go all out to help patients and recollected losing his sister to cancer. Shetty also said a new multi-specialty with 'complete solution for cancer' is coming up at Khalifa City.

Stressing on timely diagnosis, he said: "I had seen my sister suffer in pain. So, now I am doing everything to ease pain of patients. Whatever I earn from Abu Dhabi, I am giving back to the society."

He pointed out a success story in the family. "My wife's sister was a cancer patient. I treated her here and she is now perfect."

He added that cancer isn't a disease but something one needs to fight their way out from.

Dr Mohanad Diab, HOD of medical oncology, said delay in diagnosis remains a worry. "According to Seha (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company), there are 4,500 new cancer cases every year in the UAE. This means 12 cases per day. However, over the years mortality rate is decreasing and number of cancer survivors is rising. So we are winning this battle." Elaborating, Diab said: "Delayed diagnosis is the main problem. It may be the patient is diagnosed incorrectly, not referred for investigation; positive test result is not communicated effectively or not acted upon soon enough. All these points can lead to delays."

Rahma director-general Nora Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi said the centre works 24 hours to provide patients with all assistance they need. "This is our job. Our partners in medical field have made this a possibility."

AstraZeneca was the other supporting partner at the forum.

Source: Khaleej Times