Kanad (Oasis)
Hospital
United Arab Emirates, Middle East
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Kanad Hospital, formerly known as Oasis Hospital, was established in 1960 by Drs. Pat and Marian Kennedy at the invitation of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Kennedys were American missionaries whose primary goal was to honor God by providing compassionate healthcare to the people in the Gulf region. The hospital was the first modern healthcare facility in Al Ain, addressing high infant and maternal mortality rates. Over the years, it has grown into a comprehensive, state-of-the-art facility serving a diverse population. Kanad Hospital is the birthplace of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and has played a significant role in the community’s health and well-being.Kanad Hospital is an 130-bed facility offering a wide range of medical services, including family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, infertility treatment, internal medicine, surgical specialties, ENT, ophthalmology, orthopedics, urology, occupational therapy, social services, urgent care, and pharmacy. The hospital sees almost 150,000 outpatients and handles around 4,000 deliveries each year. It is equipped with modern radiology equipment, a full-service laboratory, and an electronic medical record system. Kanad Hospital was the first non-government hospital in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to receive accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI).
Technology & Capacity:
Kanad Hospital provides state-of-the-art medical care with modern radiology equipment, a full-service laboratory, and electronic medical records. The hospital is recognized for its high standards in patient care and safety, reflected in its JCI accreditation. Specialized programs, such as the treatment program for Respiratory Distress Syndrome in newborns and the Natural Birth After Cesarean Section program, highlight the hospital's commitment to excellence.
Church and Governance:
Kanad Hospital operates under the governance of an international Board of Directors from True Sojourners. The hospital maintains a Christian ethos, providing care with the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Daily morning worship and prayer sessions are part of the hospital’s culture.
Training Opportunities:
As a teaching hospital affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University, Kanad Hospital regularly hosts healthcare students for educational rotations in various specialties. Clinical responsibilities include outpatient clinic, inpatient care, obstetrics, and surgery, all under the supervision of staff physicians.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Practitioners
Surgeons
Pediatricians
Obstetricians/Gynecologists
Public Health Specialists
Language:
Most patients and all physicians and hospital staff speak English. Translation services are available for patients who do not speak English.
Housing & Food:
Students and visiting professionals are typically housed in apartments on the hospital complex. Meals are available at the hospital cafeteria, though many prefer to buy groceries and prepare their own meals. Remal Mall, located across the street, offers a variety of dining options.
Travel:
Visitors can fly into Dubai or Abu Dhabi, both of which are about a two-hour drive from Al Ain. Kanad Hospital can arrange for a representative to meet and transport visitors from the airport. Visitors should consult the UAE embassy website for visa information, with a tourist visa typically available upon arrival and valid for 30 days, renewable for an additional 30 days.
Time Difference:
The United Arab Emirates operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), which is UTC+4.
People and Local Religion:
Patients at Kanad Hospital come from various backgrounds, including highly educated local citizens and foreign workers, primarily from the Indian subcontinent. The UAE is predominantly Muslim, with a growing number of expatriate Christians and other religious groups.
Climate:
Al Ain has a hot desert climate with low humidity. The cooler season lasts from October through April, while the summers, from May through September, are very hot.
Unique Challenges:
Common health issues include chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, with less frequent cases of HIV and malaria. The hospital’s comprehensive care addresses these challenges through state-of-the-art medical services and a focus on chronic disease management.
Evangelism Opportunities:
Kanad Hospital integrates spiritual care into its services, emphasizing the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Staff members are encouraged to live out Christian values in their interactions with patients and colleagues, fostering a supportive and caring environment.
For further details, visit the Kanad Hospital website.