MUSCAT: The University Medical City (UMC) launched the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit as part of the National Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Centre.
The project is one of the most important strategic health initiatives that provide integrated care for blood and oncology patients utilising the latest global technologies in bone marrow transplantation, cellular therapy and applied scientific research. It consolidates the Sultanate of Oman's position as a regional centre for medical excellence and health innovation.
The Bone Marrow Transplant Unit represents a qualitative leap in the field of specialised micro-care, increasing its capacity from four rooms to 21 sterile treatment isolation rooms equipped with the highest international technology for bone marrow transplant units.
The unit has air pressure control systems and high-efficiency air filters, ensuring a clean and safe environment for immunocompromised patients. This is in addition to a dedicated ventilation system for sterile rooms that prevents contaminants from the outside.
The unit offers a comprehensive treatment system that goes beyond traditional bone marrow transplantation to treatment of a wide range of malignant and hereditary blood diseases, including leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, as well as benign blood diseases such as thalassaemia major, sickle cell anaemia, aplastic anaemia and primary immunodeficiency.
The unit offers all types of stem cell transplantation, including autologous, allogeneic, and semi-allogeneic stem cell transplantation, providing advanced treatment solutions for patients who lack a fully compatible donor. The unit also has the capability to perform genetically modified T-cell therapy and allogeneic lymphocyte therapy, which are among the latest global technologies in the treatment of haematological and immunological oncology.
The National Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Centre project is being implemented in three integrated phases with a capacity of 170 beds. The first phase was completed with the opening of outpatient clinics and the day care unit. -- ONA