Post by : Bianca
Haleem
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan graced the 65th anniversary celebration of Kanad Hospital, a trailblazer in healthcare services for the Abu Dhabi emirate.
The event commemorated the hospital's remarkable journey since opening in 1960, beginning in a modest mud-brick guesthouse in Al Ain, with support from the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The original clinic was overseen by American doctors Dr. Pat and Marian Kennedy, who played a crucial role in establishing the region's healthcare framework.
In his speech, Sheikh Mohammed underscored that the establishment of the first hospital in Al Ain — predating the UAE's formation — demonstrated Sheikh Zayed’s forward-thinking leadership and his commitment to public health as essential for nation-building.
Dr. Richard Bramble, Managing Director of Kanad Hospital, welcomed esteemed attendees and expressed pride in the hospital's enduring legacy. He noted that this milestone represents decades of dedication to providing excellent medical care to the community.
A notable moment of the ceremony was the inaugural presentation of the Marian Kennedy Award to Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, acknowledging her significant contributions to healthcare policy and innovation. The Pat Kennedy Award was bestowed upon Professor Dr. Humaid Obaid Al Shamsi for his exemplary work in internal medicine and oncology, particularly in elevating specialised cancer care.
The celebration also recognized long-serving staff with the Kanad Lifetime Service Award for those who dedicated 35 years or more. Furthermore, the Kanad Will to Live Award was given to patients who triumphed over serious health challenges, showcasing inspiring stories of resilience.
Over the past six decades, Kanad Hospital has risen to prominence as a leading healthcare provider in Al Ain, currently occupying over 26,000 square metres and employing over 80 physicians from 44 different nationalities. The hospital provides specialised services across various fields, including paediatrics, neonatology, obstetrics and gynaecology, neurology, vascular surgery, and ophthalmology.
Kanad Hospital was the first private facility in Abu Dhabi to obtain Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. It also gained worldwide recognition as the inaugural hospital to achieve JCI Clinical Care Program Certifications for its neonatal respiratory distress treatment program and natural birth after cesarean initiative.
Continuing its humanitarian efforts, Kanad Hospital stands as a linchpin of healthcare in Al Ain, leading the region in childbirth, housing the largest fetal medicine department, and running a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care.
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