A ten-year-old girl in Taiz, Yemen, is recovering from surgery to correct her atrial septal defect,commonly known as a “hole in the heart.” Noor Majid,who has battled this condition since birth,is one of 110 children receiving free medical treatment at the Cardiac and Vascular Diseases and Kidney Transplant Center. This initiative took place from May 16 to 21,as part of a multi-national effort supported by the Qatar Charity and Qatar Red Crescent.
The surgeries were performed by team of doctors from Qatar’s Sidra Medicine,alongside local consultants. Professor Abudar al-Ganadi,who leads the center, described the camp as a significant milestone for Yemen's healthcare system. “This is the largest medical camp in the country where complex operations of this kind are performed in this number and within such a critical period of time,” he stated.
Since its establishment in July 2021,the center has emerged as a beacon of hope amid Yemen's ongoing conflict. It has conducted 164 kidney transplants,1,450 open-heart surgeries, and nearly 4,000 vascular operations,among other procedures. For many Yemenis suffering from cardiovascular and kidney diseases,the center offers a lifeline,providing affordable care that would otherwise require costly travel abroad .
Last month,the center made headlines by successfully performing its first three liver transplants,a development that could pave the way for a sustainable liver treatment program in Yemen. Al-Ganadi expressed cautious optimism about the new liver transplant initiative, emphasizing that results will be assessed after a series of procedures are completed.
Yemen's health system has been severely strained by years of war, particularly in Taiz, where the local healthcare infrastructure has faced significant challenges. Dr . Nader al-Hammadi, a resident physician at the center,noted that the ability to receive treatment locally saves patients both time and money. “The cost of such operations abroad could reach approximately $20,000, while the same operation is performed here for only $5,000,” he explained, highlighting that benefactors cover a substantial portion of the costs.
With 1,500 open-heart surgeries completed, the center has gained valuable experience and provided essential care to those in need. Al-Hammadi remarked that many patients who would have otherwise sought treatment abroad now turn to the center for its specialized services, including minimally invasive heart procedures.
Professor al-Ganadi's journey to establish this medical facility in his hometown began after he returned from studying in Russia. Faced with numerous obstacles,he remained committed to his vision. After a brief stint working in Saudi Arabia,he was called back to Taiz in 2021 to lead the initiative. Upon his return, he found a devastated health system with limited resources.
Despite the challenges,al-Ganadi secured support from private sector partners,including the Hayel Saeed Anam Group, which provided essential equipment and supplies. The center has grown significantly since its inception, now performing around 500 surgeries monthly compared to just three to five in its first year.
Today, the facility boasts 131 beds,including 23 in intensive care, allowing it to treat a greater number of patients. Al-Ganadi reflected on the center's rapid expansion, stating,“During the centre’s first year,we did 60 open-heart surgeries; today, we perform 60 in a single month.” His vision remains ambitious, as he aims to continue expanding services despite ongoing challenges posed by conflict .
