Riyadh, KSA – The King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) continues to set the standard for healthcare innovation with pioneering initiatives in precision medicine. As part of its commitment to advancing patient care, the hospital has introduced new protocols aimed at revolutionizing genetic diagnosis and treatment approaches.
One of the key highlights is KFSHRC’s cutting-edge metagenomic sequencing protocol, designed to achieve zero undiagnosed infectious diseases. This breakthrough has already been successfully applied to over 100 patients, offering faster and more accurate diagnoses for complex infections, particularly those resistant to antibiotics. “Our metagenomic sequencing protocol is a game-changer,” says Dr. Dana Bakheet, a Clinical Genomics Scientist at KFSHRC. “It allows us to detect pathogens within 24 hours, leading to more timely and effective patient interventions.”
Dr. Bakheet will present these groundbreaking achievements at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh from October 21-23. She emphasized the importance of the hospital’s innovation, noting that this protocol represents a significant improvement over traditional diagnostic methods.
In addition to infectious disease diagnostics, KFSHRC is also making strides in personalized medicine through its Clinical Pharmacogenomics Service, which customizes drug treatments based on each patient’s genetic profile. This service not only enhances treatment outcomes but also minimizes the risk of adverse drug reactions. Currently, the program is expanding to cover more medical specialties, with a focus on building a comprehensive genomic database to provide equitable access to personalized care across Saudi Arabia.
KFSHRC’s efforts in the field of cancer treatment are equally impressive. The hospital has established an in-house CAR-T cell production facility, allowing for more efficient and affordable access to life-saving therapies for cancer patients. By reducing delays and costs associated with treatment, this facility ensures that patients receive cutting-edge care in a timely manner.
KFSHRC’s excellence in healthcare has earned it widespread recognition. The hospital has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa, and 20th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers. It has also been named the most valuable healthcare brand in the Middle East, according to the 2024 Brand Finance rankings.
With these advancements, KFSHRC continues to lead the way in transforming healthcare, offering cutting-edge solutions that improve patient outcomes and set new standards in medical excellence.