The region’s first long-term care and rehabilitation facility will officially open its doors in Abu Dhabi in September 2010. Pro Vita Abu Dhabi is the first facility of its kind in the MENA to offer state of the art long-term care for ventilated patients in a non-hospital setting.
With a capacity of 42 beds, more than 100 employees provide round the clock medical care. The facility will have 24 hour physician coverage staffed by German physicians and has a formal affiliation with the University of Munich. Pro Vita is an internationally leading, fully accredited and highly specialised provider of care in Germany and the original founder and managing partner of the German operation has relocated as founder and general manager of Pro Vita Abu Dhabi.
Currently only hospital beds exist for ventilator supported care across the GCC, meaning that approximately 200 hospital ICU beds are used for long-term care ventilator patients.
High rates of vehicle accidents and congenital disease factors in the region contribute to an environment where long-term ventilator care and rehabilitation services are in high demand across the GCC. Pro Vita is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for patients who need such treatment, allowing them the opportunity to receive care at a specialised facility in their home country as opposed to similar facilities abroad or ICU beds at local hospitals. It will also alleviate financial and logistical pressure on over-subscribed hospital ICU units in Abu Dhabi and the GCC.
Christina Shawky-Bohme, founder of Pro Vita and general manager of Pro Vita Abu Dhabi, said: “In Germany, Pro Vita has been providing care since 1996 and has seen over 500 patients, including several dozen from the Middle East region. Modern medical possibilities and increasing life expectancy have led to increased cost consciousness in healthcare, meaning greater demand for out-of-hospital intensive care. This need is not currently being met in the MENA.
“For us the person requiring care is seen not only as a patient with medical treatment needs, but as a human being with dreams, hopes and expectations. When dealing with family members, hospitals and financial sponsors we also attach significance to a person-centred, goal-oriented approach. In terms of daily patient care this means that we efficiently and effectively conserve all resources.”
There is a significant need for several dozen facilities across the GCC and MENA and Pro Vita plans to expand its offering with additional locations in the UAE as well as other countries in the region.