Author: jezzabellemente

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Majid Al Fayyadh recently showcased the hospital’s journey since its inception in Riyadh almost five decades ago, highlighting how it has significantly reduced the need for patients to travel abroad for medical care.

During the Gulf Creatives Conference (GCC) at Harvard 2024, organised by The Diwan, an organisation run by Harvard University’s graduate students, Dr Al Fayyadh also discussed KFSH&RC’s transformation into an independent, non-profit foundation.

He indicated that this move aligns with the organisation’s strategic vision to become a global healthcare innovation leader, emphasising excellence, innovation, as well as investment in cutting-edge technology to tackle global health challenges.

“The Saudi Leadership has outlined a clear vision for KFSH&RC, mandated by a royal decree transitioning the hospital into an independent Sui Generis, non-profit foundation,” said Dr Al Fayyadh in a statement.

He further highlighted that this transformation seeks to elevate global healthcare standards through increased independence and flexibility.

This shift will allow the hospital to optimise existing services, pursue new opportunities, and direct resources toward initiatives that promote human health and well-being both within the Kingdom and internationally, in addition to reinforcing KFSH&RC’s dedication to patient-centered excellence.

Dr Al Fayyadh pointed out that KFSH&RC envisions itself as a leader in maximising the value of healthcare spending, adhering to evidence-based practices to ensure optimal patient outcomes as it seeks to remain at the forefront of global healthcare innovation, with initiatives designed to increase health equity and access worldwide.

He also joined a panel discussion focusing on the evolving landscape of the healthcare sector and the positive outcomes of KFSH&RC’s ongoing transformation in patient care, while also highlighting the effective role of the hospital’s transformative initiatives in aligning with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program and Saudi Vision 2030.

KFSH&RC is dedicated to developing medical technologies and elevating healthcare standards worldwide, forging partnerships with leading local, regional, and international institutions to deliver world-class services in clinical, research and educational domains.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has appointed Dr Björn Zoéga as its Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), underscoring its commitment to promote and foster healthcare excellence.

Renowned for his extensive experience in healthcare management and policy, Dr Zoéga joins a dedicated team as the hospital continues to drive key strategic initiatives, according to a statement.

As a leader in medical research and clinical services, KFSH&RC continues to attract global expertise to bolster its vision of healthcare excellence, and with Dr Zoéga’s involvement, the hospital is advancing a digital transformation strategy designed to improve operational efficiency and enhance patient care.

His expertise in fostering international collaborations, evidenced by his former role as president of the European University Hospital Alliance (EUHA) and through initiatives like JOIN4ATMP aimed at advancing access to innovative therapies, further aligns KFSH&RC’s services with global healthcare trends.

Dr Zoéga’s previous contributions at Karolinska University Hospital, which is ranked the second best in Europe and seventh globally by Newsweek’s 2024 World’s Best Hospitals, where he nurtured a culture of continuous learning and collaboration among healthcare professionals, align well with KFSH&RC’s objectives.

His role in fostering programmes like EUCARE and facilitating the Europe-wide exchange of intensive care nurses during crises has significantly enhanced staff development and supported his previous hospital’s goal of attracting top talent, a principle mirrored in KFSH&RC’s transformation journey.

With Dr Zoéga contributing to leadership, KFSH&RC is poised to further its role as a pivotal player in shaping the future of healthcare in Saudi Arabia.

Key projects at KFSH&RC include the deployment of advanced digital technologies to streamline the patient care process, the adoption of innovative care models, and the upgrading of facility amenities, aiming to improve access to medical services and facilitate better communication, reflecting KFSH&RC’s dedication to setting new standards in healthcare.

— BERNAMA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has experienced a year of achievements across its three Centres of Excellence—Oncology, Genomics, and Transplantation.

KFSH&RC’s Oncology Centre of Excellence continues to lead the fight against the disease in the Kingdom. This year alone, the centre has treated 25% of all cancer cases in Saudi Arabia, achieving a 50% overall recovery rate and up to 90% recovery in leukemia cases. With almost five decades of service, the centre’s commitment to providing advanced cancer treatments is evident in its adoption of technologies such as CAR T-cell therapy and liquid biopsy, which provide less invasive alternatives to traditional methods, along with extensive bone marrow transplants, and revolutionary techniques like Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Notably, KFSH&RC has achieved a milestone by completing over 100 CAR T-cell therapy procedures, a novel treatment that genetically modifies a patient’s immune cells to fight cancer. This achievement puts it on par with renowned institutions that are also advancing CAR-T cell therapy for various blood cancers and exploring expanded applications through clinical trials and new treatment protocols. Furthermore, the centre’s focus on pediatric oncology boasts a 97% five-year survival rate for renal tumors and a 92% survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.

With rapid advancements in genomic medicine, KFSH&RC is adopting next-generation sequencing technologies into patient care in its Genomic Centre, revolutionizing local and regional approaches to disease management. KFSH&RC’s discovery of the bacterial strain Stenotrophomonas Riyadhensis, facilitated by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technology, has contributed to our understanding of bacterial antibiotic resistance mechanisms. With 15,698 patient visits and over 5,658 whole genomes completed in 2023, the centre ensures that prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are precise and personalized.

KFSH&RC’s Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence (OTCoE) continues to be the primary contributor to organ transplantation activities in the Kingdom, accounting for 65% of all transplants performed nationally. In 2023, OTCoE performed 1,092 solid organ transplants, including the world’s first fully robotic liver transplant— where doctors employed robotic technology to conduct surgery on both patient and donor — an achievement that places the centre at the forefront of global transplantation practices.

As KFSH&RC continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in medical science, its efforts not only inspire but also significantly impact the global healthcare community, reaffirming its role as a leader in medical innovation and specialized healthcare.

About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC):

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) stands as a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East, envisioned to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialized healthcare. The hospital boasts a rich history in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and genetics.

In 2024, “Brand Finance” ranked King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre as the top academic medical centre in the Middle East and Africa, and among the top 20 globally for the second consecutive year. Additionally, in 2024, it was recognized as one of the leading global healthcare providers by Newsweek magazine.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a royal decree was issued on December 21, 2021, to transform the hospital into an independent, non-profit, government-owned entity, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation program aimed at achieving global leadership in healthcare through excellence and innovation.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Acting Media Affairs Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Al-Aown, Media Coordination Officer, 0556294232

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e99afd2f-d5c6-400e-9290-26b36a580bee

SOURCE: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre

–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) — The Guangzhou Opera House has welcomed nearly 200 international guests for the revival of the opera “Marco Polo” on May 3 and 4.

According to a statement, this three-act opera in Chinese melds a rich historical narrative with the enduring friendship between China and Italy, providing a unique cultural experience for both Chinese and international audiences.

“The extensive histories and cultural heritages of China and Italy enrich our cooperation, strengthening the bonds between our peoples,” said Italian Consul General in Guangzhou, Valerio De Parolis.

Marco Polo, the renowned 13th-century Italian explorer, chronicled his travels in China in the book “The Travels of Marco Polo”, igniting the first “China fever” in the West, in which this opera exemplifies East-West collaboration, integrating Chinese and Western cultural elements seamlessly.

Premiered in 2018 at the same venue, the production featured a globally diverse team, with Chinese poet Wei Jin as scriptwriter and President of the German Composers Association DKV, Enjott Schneider as composer.

Directed by former Director of Opera at the London Royal Opera House, Kasper Holten, the opera has toured from Quanzhou to Italy, earning international praise.

This revival marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 700th death anniversary of Marco Polo.

The prelude event, titled “Sharing Salon to An Encounter with Marco Polo”, held on May 4 drew nearly 200 delegates from 29 countries, including representatives from consulates and chambers of commerce, to engage in discussions on Sino-foreign cultural exchanges.

The salon featured “Marco Polo’s Reverie” by Italian painter Sandro Trotti and works by Guangdong artist Wang Shaoqiang, who is participating in La Biennale di Venezia, with discussions highlighted Marco Polo’s impact and the broader scope of China-Italy cooperation.

— BERNAMA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 3 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KFSH&RC tops the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, recognizing it as the most valuable healthcare brand in these regions for the second year. According to the 2024 Brand Finance reports, it placed 9^th in Saudi Arabia and 28^th in the Middle East. Additionally, KFSH&RC stands out as the only hospital worldwide to be ranked among its country’s top ten most valuable brands.

The Brand Finance Report shows that KFSH&RC brand value increased by 31%, exceeding 5.6 billion Saudi Riyals, equivalent to USD 1.5 billion. This increase is the result of the hospital’s unwavering commitment to incorporating the latest medical technologies and treatments and providing specialized medical care that adheres to the latest international standards.

Reflecting on KFSH&RC’s global recognition, Mr. Muhannad Kadi, the Chief Corporate Communications & Marketing Officer, commented, “This accomplishment underscores the hospital’s dedication to achieving the highest quality standards and providing outstanding healthcare, as well as the significant value it delivers to its beneficiaries.” He emphasized that the hospital’s position among the top ten most valuable brands in Saudi Arabia not only highlights its effectiveness but also the positive impact of the ongoing transformations within the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

Over the past year, KFSH&RC has achieved several notable milestones that have significantly contributed to its brand strength and reputation. These include conducting four ground-breaking experiments in space medicine, performing the World’s first fully robotic liver transplant, and launching a rapid whole genome sequencing analysis service available to all beneficiaries. Furthermore, KFSH&RC celebrated the successful treatment of 100 T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia patients, a testament to our advanced medical capabilities and dedication to patient care.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030 and its transformation programs, initiated by His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister—which aim to enhance the Kingdom’s global position and establish it as a healthcare hub—KFSH&RC has been ranked as the top Academic Medical Centre in the Middle East and Africa. It also secured the 20th spot globally for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, according to Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals report. Additionally, it has been ranked among the top 250 Best Hospitals in the World by Newsweek Magazine.

For more information please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Acting Media Affairs Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Alown, Senior Media Affairs Editor, 0556294232

Source: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre

–BERNAMA