RCSI Medical University of Bahrain explores collaboration opportunities with Turkish Ambassador
29 April: The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain welcomed Her Excellency Dr Ayşe Hilal Sayan Koytak, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Kingdom of Bahrain, along with Mr Abdulkadir Yaman and Ms Duygu Yagci, Third Secretaries from the Turkish Embassy to its campus.
The meeting featured a presentation by Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director, which showcased the University's growth and progression within the Kingdom since its inception in 2004. This was followed by a presentation by Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, which highlighted the University's ongoing oncology research and the potential for collaborative opportunities with hospitals and universities in Türkiye.
Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, stated: 'We were delighted to welcome Her Excellency Dr Ayşe Hilal Sayan Koytak, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, to our campus to discuss potential collaborative opportunities. We are committed to fostering avenues for student research and overseas electives, ensuring our students gain valuable international experience and preparing them to become well-rounded professionals who excel in their chosen fields.'
Her Excellency expressed her support for any collaboration efforts and highlighted the opportunity for Turkish students to gain valuable international experience while studying in Bahrain, and further supported plans to establish links with Turkish universities for research and clinical electives.
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain strives to expand its international outlook by offering students various opportunities and equipping them with valuable exposure to diverse healthcare environments.
About RCSI Medical University of Bahrain
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which was established in Dublin, Ireland, in 1784. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, an independent private university, opened its doors to a cohort of 28 medical students in 2004. Today, the purpose-built campus is home to a student body of more than 1,600 across the Schools of Medicine; Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research. It is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.rcsi.com/bahrain
RCSI Bahrain Instagram
RCSI Bahrain Facebook
RCSI Bahrain LinkedIn
RCSI Bahrain X (Twitter)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Web Release
12-06-2025
- Web Release
Dubai emerges as a regional hub for gene therapy breakthroughs: Medcare leads the way in transforming lives of children with rare genetic diseases
Dubai is rapidly establishing itself as a hub for cutting-edge gene therapy, with Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital Al Qusais being at the forefront of treating rare genetic disorders such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). With the hospital's proximity to the Dubai International Airport, a growing number of patients from Turkey, and other countries in the region and beyond are traveling to Dubai for life changing treatments. Medcare has been redefining excellence in the field of paediatric neurology and gene-based therapies, pioneering a new era of hope and healing for families affected by such debilitating conditions. Turkish families are increasingly turning to Medcare for SMA treatments, with incidence rates in Turkey significantly higher than the global average. The hospital's state-of-the-art facilities, international medical expertise, and holistic treatment model position it as a Centre of Excellence for gene disorders, not just in the UAE but across the MENA and the Asia-Pacific regions. SMA, a rare neurodegenerative condition, causes progressive muscle weakness and often proves fatal in infancy if left untreated. In Turkey, SMA affects 1 in every 6,000 births compared to 1 in 10,000 globally[i]. According to the Turkish health authorities, there are currently over 3,000 people living with SMA, and about 150 new cases are diagnosed each year. DMD, another severe neuromuscular disorder, affects over 4,000 genetically confirmed patients in Turkey[ii]. Under the leadership of Dr. Vivek Mundada, a British Board-certified Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital has delivered remarkable outcomes in managing these complex genetic conditions. Unlike traditional therapies that require ongoing spinal injections, Medcare offers a one-time, potentially curative gene therapy that addresses the root cause of the condition, dramatically improving the quality of life and long-term health. Medcare is the first private healthcare provider outside the U.S.A. to successfully administer gene therapy for SMA in the MENA region, having delivered over 100 infusions to date at Medcare Women & Children Hospital. 'Dubai is becoming a center of medical innovation, and Medcare is proud to be leading that movement, especially in the field of rare genetic diseases,' said Dr. Vivek Mundada, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital. 'Through our comprehensive, patient-centered care model, we are transforming outcomes for children who previously had limited treatment options.' Medcare's approach goes beyond clinical excellence. Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team that includes experts in neurology, pulmonology, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and genetic counselling. The hospital also provides continuous follow-up care for international patients after they return home. Turkish families have already seen outstanding results. One such story is that of Mirha, diagnosed with SMA just nine days after she was born. In 2024, she underwent gene therapy at Medcare and is now thriving without the need for breathing or feeding support. Similarly, Elif Bade who was treated in March 2024 when she was just 2 years old, has shown remarkable progress following her gene therapy at Medcare. The parents of Mirha remarked, 'We cannot express enough gratitude to Dr. Mundada and the Medcare team. Thanks to the expert and compassionate care in Dubai, our daughter has been given a new lease on life.' Aligned with the UAE's vision to be a global hub for medical innovation and excellence, Medcare continues to invest in infrastructure, talent, and technology to offer best-in-class care. The newly launched rare disease unit at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Dubai offers AI-powered diagnostics, robotic surgery, and advanced quaternary care, reinforcing its leadership in rare disease management. As part of Aster DM Healthcare, Medcare is committed to expanding access to advanced medical care for international patients, while contributing to the UAE's growing medical tourism sector, where families seek top-tier, cost-effective care without long wait times, especially for critical and time-sensitive conditions like the rare genetic disorders. [i] Turkey vs. Zolgensma: the battle over a $2.1 million drug – SWI [ii] About Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – DMD Aileleri (Turkey)
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Zawya
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain explores collaboration opportunities with Turkish Ambassador
29 April: The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) – Medical University of Bahrain welcomed Her Excellency Dr Ayşe Hilal Sayan Koytak, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Kingdom of Bahrain, along with Mr Abdulkadir Yaman and Ms Duygu Yagci, Third Secretaries from the Turkish Embassy to its campus. The meeting featured a presentation by Mr Stephen Harrison-Mirfield, Managing Director, which showcased the University's growth and progression within the Kingdom since its inception in 2004. This was followed by a presentation by Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, which highlighted the University's ongoing oncology research and the potential for collaborative opportunities with hospitals and universities in Türkiye. Professor Sameer Otoom, President of RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, stated: 'We were delighted to welcome Her Excellency Dr Ayşe Hilal Sayan Koytak, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, to our campus to discuss potential collaborative opportunities. We are committed to fostering avenues for student research and overseas electives, ensuring our students gain valuable international experience and preparing them to become well-rounded professionals who excel in their chosen fields.' Her Excellency expressed her support for any collaboration efforts and highlighted the opportunity for Turkish students to gain valuable international experience while studying in Bahrain, and further supported plans to establish links with Turkish universities for research and clinical electives. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain strives to expand its international outlook by offering students various opportunities and equipping them with valuable exposure to diverse healthcare environments. About RCSI Medical University of Bahrain RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which was established in Dublin, Ireland, in 1784. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, an independent private university, opened its doors to a cohort of 28 medical students in 2004. Today, the purpose-built campus is home to a student body of more than 1,600 across the Schools of Medicine; Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research. It is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. For more information, please visit RCSI Bahrain Instagram RCSI Bahrain Facebook RCSI Bahrain LinkedIn RCSI Bahrain X (Twitter)
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Zawya
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) Provides Medical Equipment Support to De Martino Hospital in Somalia
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) continues its efforts to strengthen the health infrastructure in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. In this context, extensive medical equipment support was provided to De Martino Hospital, the largest public hospital in Mogadishu. The official handover ceremony was attended by Somalia's Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Hajiadam Abubakar, along with TİKA representatives and administrators from De Martino Hospital. Within the scope of the project, the hospital received a range of essential medical equipment, including neonatal incubators, hospital beds, stretchers, patient monitors, defibrillators, and other vital devices. These will primarily serve the neonatal care unit, inpatient departments, and intensive care units. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Abubakar expressed his sincere appreciation to the Republic of Türkiye, the Turkish people, and TİKA, emphasizing that the support marks a significant contribution to the advancement of Somalia's healthcare infrastructure. The support is expected to significantly improve the treatment capacity for critical and neonatal patients, while also enhancing the overall service quality and operational efficiency of the hospital. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
