Saleh Fareed

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — A number of doctors will attend the Arab Health Congress in Dubai, which will be held from January 26 - 29. One of the keynote speakers at the forum will be Dr. Ali Chaudhary, assistant professor and chairman orthopedic surgery, King Abdul-Aziz University.



Speaking with Saudi Gazette, Chaudhary said: “Arab Health Congress provides an ideal platform to discuss the future of pediatric orthopedics in the region. It brings together world renowned names, regional experts, and brings the entire industry closer to each other. It also provides a forum to exchange expertise and to collaborate on potential joint ventures in research and clinical practice within the GCC and wider Middle East region.”



Chaudhary is of the view that Saudi Arabia has made a lot of progress in pediatric orthopedics.



“The pediatric orthopedics in Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in areas of early detection and management of significantly morbid conditions such as the developmental dysplasia of hip and scoliosis. The surgical techniques have evolved to be at par with international standards. Management of congenital malformations and limb deficiencies has improved with complex reconstructive procedures.”



However, he believes that over the years “continuous innovation, development and collaboration of regional surgeons”  is required to keep progressing.



According to Chaudhary, currently the medical infrastructure is functioning independently but without synchrony, despite having highly competitive centers.



“Establishment of tertiary referral centres specialized in specific domains of pediatric orthopedics can create appropriate referrals that can be managed by well-trained multidisciplinary teams. This in turn will result in full spectrum management of complex and rare conditions by medical experts who have both experience and confidence to manage the most complex cases.”



Due to a large number of road accidents, the Saudi Ministry of Health has given substantial support to the orthopedic care in the Kingdom by building trauma centres and facilitating joint replacement surgeries.



“The high volume of road traffic trauma and degenerative joints conditions has been a significant burden on the government with a net loss of work hours and productivity. However, pediatric orthopedics has recently started to become a focus of attention for the authorities with emphasis on early detection and management of disorders that will help eliminate long term disability.”