The opening by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah of the International Medical Center (IMC) in Jeddah on Oct. 29 marked a new era in private health care in the city, and beyond.
It can be described as a forerunner in the huge investment and expansion now being undertaken by the private sector with the encouragement of the king. He praised IMC for its efforts and those of Saudi businessmen backers. “This reflects their strong faith in God, their nation and humanity. These efforts are not at all surprising, coming as they do from the sons of Saudi Arabia.”
The 300-bed, state-of-the-art IMC and its partner, Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF), is the first joint-effort of its kind in the region. It is seen as a unique partnership in health care, and was presented with the health care award by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA). IMC’s main aim is to be the top health care institute in the region, focusing on a holistic approach to medicine. Its values are guided and maintained by both Islamic and medical ethics.
It possesses a medical team of the highest quality, on par with anything that could be found in Europe or the US. The strong coordination with CCF ensures that the latest technology is used and maintained to international standards.
For example, its ‘OR1’ technology allows surgeons to have complete control over all equipment in the operating theater, either through voice commands or one-touch screen monitors. This permits surgeons to carry out operations without distractions while conferencing from the operating room.
It also makes it possible for real time collaboration and information-sharing with international teams via live audio and video transmissions during complex surgeries.
Another technological first for the Kingdom used at IMC is the Gastro Capsule, which allows two to 14 pictures to be taken while it journeys through the bowel and sends the pictures to an external data recorder. After swallowing the capsule, the patient would resume normal activities and return to the clinic after eight hours.
The capsule is excreted naturally. The Gastro Capsule has the same high quality imaging and is as clear as the conventional endoscopy, but without the discomfort.
IMC has six centers housing sub-specialties that are delivered by the US and Canadian board certified consultant physicians. These are children’s health, women’s health, pain and headache management, diabetes, musculoskeletal and plastic surgery, and dermatology.
Each center prides itself on its unique approach to diagnosis and treatment. Doctors take time to listen to their patients and address their concerns before developing care plan to fit each patient’s individual needs.
Patients are constantly encouraged to take an active role as team leader in their treatment and are made completely aware of their condition and how to avoid complications.
“At IMC, we educate and coach the family of the patient, at the Patient and Family Education Center to help them know how to cope with their loved-ones’ illness. These services are just part of the holistic approach that ensures comfort and satisfaction for our patients and to their families to create peace of mind, knowing that everything is being done in their best interest.”
Education is key in order to ensure that IMC maintains its top standard of highly competent staff. During 2006, a wide range of Continuous Medical Educational (CME) accredited symposiums and lectures took place.
IMC prides itself on the fact that its physicians are among the most highly qualified in the region. The technologically advanced auditorium permits teleconferencing and telecommunications which currently plays a crucial role in the world of medicine. Thanks to such innovations, physical distances no longer play a part in medicine. Architectural design has been used to enhance the healing environment. Patient areas have plenty of natural light, and serenity is promoted by calligraphy, mosaics, lighting and color schemes, which have been integrated into modern building techniques to create a first-class facility.
The dream of Dr. Walid Fitaihi has now become a reality. IMC has begun its journey to success, joining the new era of an industrial revolution in the private health care sector in Saudi Arabia.
