Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 15, 2017: The Dubai Health Authority-run Dubai Gynecology and Fertility Centre (DGFC) marked today International Family Day by hosting a gathering for those born through fertility treatments at the Centre.

The facility is the first government fertility center in the UAE and one of the leading establishments’ of-its-kind. 

Proud parents who conceived with the help of fertility treatments they received at the Centre got together to celebrate this day with their children.

The Authority organized several activities for the children including a balloon bender, magic shows etc. Amidst an atmosphere of laughter and joy, doctors and staff members of the Centre were felicitated for achieving high success rates and adhering to international best practices.

HE Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the DHA, said: “Since the establishment of the Centre, more than 4200 babies have been born as a result of assisted reproductive technology (ART). We are proud of the Centre’s achievements and its success rate, which is 62 per cent and is higher than the international average of 52 per cent. At the DHA, it is our aim to provide specialized treatment to our population and such specialized facilities help ensure we provide high-quality care to those in need.” 

The DGFC was established in 1991 and in 2009 the Centre relocated to its new premises in Dubai Healthcare City. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and has an operating theatre, laboratory, ultrasound machines etc. The Centre provides the latest techniques in fertility management to couples and has a dedicated team of doctors and embryologists who are abreast with the latest practices in the field. 

In 2013, the Centre became the first in the Middle-East region to test patients for genetic disorders, including Thalassemia and other DNA related diseases.  In addition, it provides testing and treatment for patients with repeated miscarriages.

Of the 4,200 babies born at the Centre, 100 babies were born to Emirati Couples who opted for the Amal initiative.

In 2013, the DHA sponsored fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) etc needed by Emirati couples who are facing infertility problems and have financial difficulties as part of the ‘Amal’ initiative.

This generosity was in line with the orders of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.  

DGFC sponsored the cost of all cycles of fertility treatment needed for Emiratis who were suffering from infertility problems and were selected for this initiative.
Dr Hana Tahwara, Director of the Dubai Gynecology and Fertility Centre, said:  “We offer individualised care and transfer of embryos is strictly as per the clinical history of the patient to reduce the occurrence of multiple pregnancies. Keeping all these factors in mind and the high standards of care and ethical practise we follow, we are proud that we achieved this success rate.”
   
The Centre has treated more than 21,000 couples since its inception in 1991.  Fifty per cent of them were from UAE, 17 per cent from Arab Countries, 15 per cent from Asian Countries and the rest came from countries in Europe, GCC, Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Between 2014 and 2017, the ART procedures conducted at the clinic included 642 IVF procedures, 2,298 egg collections, 950 ICSI procedures and 117 split IVF /ICSI procedures.