A new fetal medicine and therapy center has been opened at Burjeel Medical City (BMC) in association with the world-renowned fetal medicine expert Prof. Kypros Nicolaides. Famously known as the 'Father of Fetal Medicine,' he is a Professor in the Fetal Medicine Research Institute at King's College Hospital, London. The Kypros Nicolaides Fetal Medicine and Therapy Center was inaugurated during a special ceremony at Burjeel Medical City, the largest medical care facility under the banner of VPS Healthcare, located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi. The center is part of a collaboration between Prof. Kypros and the hospital's Fetal Medicine Department.

Fetal Medicine is a branch of medicine specializing in monitoring the health concerns of the mother and fetus throughout pregnancy and immediately afterwards. It is not uncommon for pregnant women in the region to travel to the West to seek care through in utero surgery for complex fetal problems. The department is designed to meet the increasing requirement for fetal medicine and therapy in the region.

Commenting on this significant development, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director, VPS Healthcare, said, "The launch of the Kypros Nicolaides Fetal Medicine and Therapy Center at Burjeel Medical City is a momentous occasion, as it is the first such integrated world-class facility in the region. This is a decisive step toward providing comprehensive fetal care to patients undergoing high-risk pregnancies in the UAE."

Prof. Kypros has revolutionised the field of fetal medicine through his extensive research and medical practice achievements, including introducing intrauterine blood transfusions for fetal anaemia. He is a recipient of the Grand Cross of Makarios III – the highest civilian honour awarded by Cyprus, and was elected to the US National Academy of Medicine in 2020.

Prof. Kypros said, "This unique collaboration aims to offer high-quality care in fetal medicine and surgery in the UAE and the MENA region. We aim to provide the many aspects of care in fetal medicine that are not available in the country at present. We are conducting research studies in gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery and hope that patients from Burjeel Hospitals can participate in the future. Ultimately, I wish to improve the outcome of pregnancies and save many more babies and mothers. I am proud of this collaboration with the department, and I hope it will continue for a long time in future."