Al Amal Oncology Hospital to Have Bone Marrow Transplant Unit

Dr. Abdullatif al Khal, Head of Al Amal Oncology Hospital, revealed that the hospital would have a bone marrow transplant unit to treat leukemia. The unit is being established by Hamad Medical Corporation in collaboration with the German Heidelberg University and would open next year, he said.


Ten to fifteen individuals require bone marrow transplant annually in Qatar. The cost for a normal marrow transplant abroad runs to QR 150,000. Having such a unit in Qatar would save funds and time as well as providing expats with the opportunity of receiving medical treatment in Qatar, Dr. Al Khal said.

Dr. Al Khal stated that Al Amal Oncology Hospital provides treatment for all types of cancer, including leukemia; however, the bone marrow transplant technique, which is crucial in the treatment of leukemia, was still not available.

“The unit is in the final touches stage and we are hopeful it would be operational in early 2006. A team of specialists headed by a French expert has been assigned by HMC to mobilize and recruit qualified physicians, nurses, and technicians to operate the bone marrow transplant unit, Dr. Al Khal added.

Source: Al Sharq