What does it take to transform healthcare in an entire region? For Kanad Hospital, the answer lies in six decades of dedication, innovation, and unwavering compassion. Founded by Drs. Pat and Marian Kennedy at the request of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Kanad Hospital (formerly Oasis Hospital) began as a mission to combat high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the UAE.
As the first hospital in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, Kanad has played a pioneering role in maternal and pediatric healthcare, becoming the first private hospital in the region to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. Its global reputation for excellence was further cemented when it became the world’s first hospital to receive JCI Clinical Care Program Certifications for both its Respiratory Distress Syndrome treatment program in newborns and its Natural Birth After Cesarean Section program for mothers.
Owned by True Sojourners, a U.S.-based humanitarian organization, Kanad remains steadfast in its not-for-profit mission—blending compassionate, high-quality care with cutting-edge medical advancements. With a legacy rooted in service and a vision for the future, Kanad Hospital continues to redefine women’s and children’s healthcare in the UAE and beyond, proving that world-class medical excellence and deep cultural understanding can go hand in hand.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
Could you walk us through the hospital’s transformative journey from its inception during a time of high maternal mortality rates to becoming a ray of hope and advanced medical care in the UAE?
Kanad Hospital has a deeply rooted history in the UAE, dating back to a time when maternal mortality rates were alarmingly high due to the lack of accessible healthcare. Originally founded as Oasis Hospital in 1960, our mission has always been clear: to provide compassionate, world-class medical care to women and children. Over the decades, we have pioneered advancements in obstetric and gynecological care, significantly reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Our transformation into Kanad Hospital symbolizes our ongoing growth, integrating cutting-edge technology and international best practices while preserving our unwavering commitment to holistic and patient-centered care. Today, Kanad Hospital stands as a beacon of hope, offering women in the UAE and beyond access to world-class, culturally sensitive healthcare.
As a pioneer in maternal health in the UAE, what unique programs or initiatives does Kanad Hospital offer to support expectant mothers and newborns?
At Kanad Hospital, we have designed specialized programs to ensure the best possible care for both mothers and newborns. Some of our key offerings include:
- Midwifery-Led Birthing Services: Providing a natural and empowering birth experience for low-risk pregnancies, ensuring personalized care and support.
- VBAC Program (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean): Helping women who have had previous C-sections safely attempt vaginal deliveries under expert supervision.
- Fetal and Maternal Medicine Unit: Offering advanced prenatal screening, diagnostic services, and high-risk pregnancy management.
- Breastfeeding and Lactation Support: Our dedicated lactation consultants provide education and hands-on support to help new mothers establish successful breastfeeding routines
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Our state-of-the-art Level III NICU ensures optimal care for premature and high-risk newborns, equipped with the latest neonatal monitoring technology.
- Advanced Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery: We specialize in complex minimally invasive procedures, including:
- Laparoscopic surgery for pregnancy-related conditions (both emergency and elective).
- Cystectomy for ovarian cyst removal with minimal recovery time.
- Laparoscopic abdominal cerclage to prevent pregnancy loss in women with cervical insufficiency.
These specialized services are designed to provide expectant mothers with the highest level of care, blending medical expertise with compassionate, patient-focused treatment.
Kanad Hospital was the first in the world to obtain JCI Clinical Care Program Certifications for specific treatments. How do these certifications reflect your commitment to excellence in women’s health?
Kanad Hospital was the first hospital in the world to receive JCI Clinical Care Program Certifications for both its VBAC program and Very Low Birth Weight program in the NICU. These certifications reflected our commitment to global best practices and high standards in maternal and newborn care. While we chose not to renew these certifications, as we determined there was no direct clinical benefit in maintaining them, the achievement remains a testament to our dedication to excellence. By earning these recognitions, we demonstrated our leadership in maternal healthcare and our ability to set high benchmarks in obstetric and neonatal care.
In what ways does Kanad Hospital integrate cultural sensitivity into its healthcare practices while maintaining international standards?
Cultural sensitivity is at the heart of everything we do at Kanad Hospital. We understand that healthcare is deeply personal, and we ensure that our services are respectful of the cultural and religious backgrounds of our patients. To achieve this, we:
- Provide female-led medical teams for patients who prefer female healthcare providers.
- Offer multilingual care teams to ensure seamless communication with patients and their families.
- Respect religious and cultural birth preferences while prioritizing medical safety.
- Create a welcoming, family-centered birth environment that aligns with traditional values and expectations.
- By integrating these principles, we maintain an environment that is both globally recognized for excellence and locally attuned to the needs of our diverse patient population.
How has technology enhanced patient care at Kanad Hospital, especially in women’s and children’s health services?
Kanad Hospital continuously invests in cutting-edge technology to enhance women’s and children’s healthcare. Some of the key technological advancements include:
- Advanced NICU Monitoring Systems: Ensuring real-time tracking of vital signs in premature and high-risk newborns.
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Streamlining patient data for seamless care coordination and improved efficiency.
- 3D and 4D Ultrasound Imaging: Providing expectant mothers with advanced fetal imaging for early diagnosis and bonding experiences.
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques: Utilizing laparoscopy and hysteroscopy to reduce recovery times and surgical risks.
These innovations allow us to offer safer, more efficient, and patient-friendly medical services, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care.
Can you share some insights on how Kanad Hospital’s research contributes to improving women’s healthcare practices in the region?
Kanad Hospital is dedicated to advancing women’s healthcare through ongoing research initiatives that focus on improving patient outcomes, refining treatment protocols, and developing innovative medical techniques. We have a dedicated research committee within the hospital that oversees and coordinates research efforts, ensuring that our work aligns with both regional healthcare needs and global medical advancements.
Additionally, we have close collaboration with UAE University (UAEU), partnering with their medical research teams to conduct studies on maternal and fetal medicine, minimally invasive gynecological procedures, and neonatal care. These collaborations allow us to stay at the forefront of medical research while contributing valuable insights to the broader healthcare community. Our research efforts play a crucial role in shaping best practices in the region and ensuring that our patients benefit from the latest medical knowledge and innovations.
Looking ahead, what are Kanad Hospital’s plans for further advancing women’s healthcare in the UAE and potentially influencing practices across the Arab World?
Looking ahead, Kanad Hospital remains committed to pushing the boundaries of women’s healthcare in the UAE and the broader Arab world. Our future goals include:
- Expanding minimally invasive gynecological procedures to enhance patient recovery and reduce hospital stays.
- Enhancing high-risk pregnancy services through specialized programs and increased medical expertise.
- Strengthening partnerships with local and global research institutions to drive innovation in maternal-fetal medicine.
- Launching community education initiatives to empower women with knowledge about reproductive health, pregnancy, and postpartum care.
