Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) organised the GCC Transplant Summit in Dubai, gathering representatives from health ministries across the GCC states and experts in organ donation and transplantation, with the collaboration of TransMedics.
According to Emirates News Agency, the summit was part of the ministry's efforts to advance the National Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, known as 'Hayat'. The initiative seeks to establish a sustainable ecosystem based on unified regulations, advanced digital infrastructure, and enhanced Gulf integration, aligning with global best practices.
The summit was attended by key figures such as Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Health Regulation Sector at the Ministry and Supervisor of the Hayat Programme; Dr. Waleed Hassanein, President and CEO of TransMedics; and Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, Chairman of the UAE National Committee for Organ Donation and Transplantation. Dr. Maria Gomez, Director of the National Centre for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, along with representatives from national health authorities and accredited hospitals, also participated.
In-depth discussions at the summit focused on standardizing criteria and sharing expertise to create a unified regional system for organ donation and transplantation. This system would be built on legislative, technical, and logistical integration among GCC member states. The sessions underscored the need for unifying medical and procedural standards and developing mechanisms for data exchange to ensure rapid responses to urgent transplant cases.
Participants explored establishing a joint GCC registry for donors and patients and connecting transplant centers through a unified digital network. Such a network would facilitate coordination among medical teams across Gulf nations. Technical presentations on the US National Organ Care System (OCS) programme were also featured, discussing its potential application in the Gulf region.
The agenda also highlighted developing a unified infrastructure integrating legislation, technical regulations, and coordination mechanisms among health authorities. These efforts aim to enable faster response times, enhance service quality, and build public trust in the GCC organ donation system.
Dr. Amin Al Amiri highlighted the summit's role in shaping the future of organ transplantation in the Gulf. He emphasized the importance of adopting a unified regulatory framework to enhance service efficiency and accelerate responses to critical cases. Al Amiri reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to collaborating with Gulf partners to establish a global hub for organ donation and transplantation.
Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli remarked that the summit provided a strategic framework for building a unified Gulf network for organ donation, driven by legislation, digital systems, and the exchange of expertise. This initiative aims to increase donation rates, achieve optimal clinical outcomes, and offer patients a chance at a renewed life.
Dr. Maria Gomez confirmed that the "Hayat" programme has successfully increased organ donation rates, improving public awareness and readiness. She emphasized the continued efforts to build an integrated system supported by modern legislation and infrastructure, bolstered by Gulf and international cooperation.