Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 27, 2017: The Dubai Health Authority-run Dubai Gynecology and Fertility Centre (DGFC) has reached 1000 IVF treatment cycles in 2017, said a top health official.

The facility is the first government fertility center in the UAE and one of the leading establishments’ of-its-kind.

Mrs. Hana Tahwara, Director of the Dubai Gynecology and Fertility Centre, said: “In 2017, we performed 1000 IVF cycles for women undergoing infertility treatment. By the end of January, we will be able to know the number of women who become pregnant due to these procedures. Overall, we have a high success rate. Since the establishment of the Centre, more than 4200 babies have been born because of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Our success rate is 63 per cent and is higher than the international average of 52 per cent. At the DHA, it is our aim to provide specialized treatment to our population and such specialized facilities help ensure we provide high-quality care to those in need.”

The DGFC was established in 1991 and in 2009, the Centre relocated to its new premises in Dubai Healthcare City. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and the DGFC IVF laboratory is the first one in the whole Gulf region to be accredited in 2016 by an International Accreditation Body (HSO) for Quality and Efficiency of ART Services. The Centre provides the latest techniques in fertility management to couples and has a dedicated team of doctors and embryologists who are abreast with the latest practices in the field.

In 2013, the Centre became the first in the Middle-East region to test patients for genetic disorders, including Thalassemia and other DNA related diseases.  In addition, it provides testing and treatment for patients with recurrent miscarriages.

Of the 4,337 babies born at the Centre, 110 babies were born to Emirati Couples who opted for the Amal initiative up until October 2016.

In 2013, the DHA sponsored fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) etc. needed by Emirati couples who are facing infertility problems and have financial difficulties as part of the ‘Amal’ initiative.

This generosity was in line with the orders of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. 

DGFC sponsored the cost of all cycles of fertility treatment needed for Emiratis who were suffering from infertility problems and were selected for this initiative.

Dr Styliani Andronikou, laboratory director and consultant embryologist at the Dubai Gynaecology and Fertility Centre, said:  “The transfer of embryos is strictly as per the clinical history of the patient to reduce the occurrence of multiple pregnancies. We do not encourage multiple pregnancies and that is not always safe or healthy. The pregnancy is more risky and the mother is vulnerable to gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia or premature birth. Keeping all these factors in mind and the high standards of care and ethical practice we follow, we are extremely proud that we achieved this success rate.”

The Centre has treated more than 22,170 couples since its inception in 1991.  Fifty two per cent of them were from UAE, 16 per cent from Arab Countries, 6 per cent from GCC, 14 per cent from Asian Countries and the rest 12 per cent came from countries in Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia and America.

Between January 2014 to December 2017, the ART procedures conducted at the clinic included 763 IVF procedures, 3,200 egg collections, 1,090 ICSI procedures and 210 split IVF /ICSI procedures. Embryo freezing is now taking place in DGFC for couples that fulfill certain criteria and acquire approval for the procedure from the Ministry of Health (MOH) following recommendation by our clinicians.