Future of innovation in the health sector
Session aimed at promoting a culture of innovation in the medical field
Dubai: By highlighting the experience of a group of Emirati inventors in the medical sector, such as the inventor of the artificial liver, the Mohammad Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) emphasised the importance of developing medical practices through innovation at the ‘Future of Innovation in the Health Sector’ session.
The event came as part of ‘UAE Innovation Dialogue’ sessions, and was attended by officials of the Ministry of Health and more than 100 participants. The session looked at development of medical research to ensure treatment of common diseases, as well as to find new ways to improve the performance of the sector in view of its importance in people’s lives and the health of the community.
The session was attended by Professor Ali Al Naqbi, inventor of the artificial liver; Dr Arif Al Noriana, the first Emirati doctor to perform robotic heart surgeries; and Reem Marzouki, inventor of a car for people with special needs, and moderated by Dr Saqr Al Mualla, Deputy Director of Al Qasimi Hospital.
Huda Al Hashemi, Executive Director at MBRCGI, said the session discussed the experiences of a number of distinguished Emirati innovators and explored ways to take advantage of advanced technology and medical research.
Speaking at the session, Professor Al Naqbi described ‘hybrid specialities’ as the next phase in the medical field, combining two specialities such as industry and medicine. In this connection, he cited his invention of the artificial liver, which serves the needs of patients from the medical point of view by facilitating the production of proteins.
Al Naqbi explained that the artificial liver he invented consists of three chambers, while the industrial liver used medically consists of only two. The third was added in order to ensure adequate supply of oxygen necessary to increase the lifespan of cells.
Al Noriana pointed out that robotic cardiac surgery was not available in the UAE until last June because of the unavailability of hardware. Now, the UAE has become the only country in the world, along with the United States, to adopt this technique in heart surgery, providing great relief to patients and reduced travel expenses. This has also contributed to making the UAE a leading heart care destination in the region.
Emirati inventor Reem explained that innovation is not limited to those with talent. She said it may even be a case of pure coincidence, noting the experience of a female pilot who had lost her hand but was able to fly a plane again using her feet.
Reem said this incident was the inspiration behind her invention of a car designed for people with special needs. She stressed that her invention has opened new horizons for her, and inspired her to continue the search for innovative ideas.
