Sidra Medicine has opened the nation's first dedicated Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) ward. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide life-saving treatments for children under 18 suffering from blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and genetic conditions. Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, officially inaugurated the new HSCT ward yesterday.
The HSCT ward is a cornerstone of Sidra's broader programme, which encompasses both autologous and allogeneic transplants, aiming to reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad. With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the ward features advanced isolation units adhering to international infection control standards. It is set to commence autologous transplants in June 2025, with plans to expand to allogeneic procedures subsequently.
The HSCT programme is integral to Sidra Medicine's precision medicine strategy, facilitating genomic research for paediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic, and rare diseases. The Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC) supports this initiative by managing the processing and cryopreservation of stem cells, ensuring the delivery of safe and effective cellular therapies.
The multidisciplinary team includes specialists in immunology, infectious diseases, radiology, psychology, pharmacy, nutrition, and social work, providing comprehensive, patient-centred care throughout the transplant journey.
Beyond the HSCT ward, Sidra Medicine has achieved several notable milestones. In June 2024, it became the first hospital in Qatar and the fifth globally to administer Elevidys, a gene therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). In January 2025, Sidra established a Gene Therapy Center to treat rare genetic diseases such as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and DMD, attracting patients from across the Middle East and North Africa region.
These advancements underscore Sidra Medicine's role in transforming paediatric healthcare in Qatar and the region, aligning with the Qatar National Vision 2030 by fostering a knowledge-based economy and enhancing access to cutting-edge medical treatments.
