In Saudi’s Conjoined Twins program, modern medicine and humanitarianism are inseparable
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Reaffirming its commitment to humanitarianism and medical excellence, twin separation surgeries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have emerged as some of the most successful medical procedures in the world. In fact, Saudi Arabia has garnered international acclaim from various countries and organizations for some of the most incredibly complex surgeries in modern medicine- all carried out with a rather unique humanitarian angle.
The Saudi Conjoined Twins program for separating Siamese twins stands unparalleled in its execution. The program covers all expenses related to the operation for poor families, from the treatment and post-operative rehabilitation. It even goes as far as to host the parents of twins traveling from abroad, to ensure they remain close to their children throughout the stressful medical care process. Ultimately it allows these children to live healthy lives without the need for round-the-clock medical care, which is often inaccessible to poor families in the region and around the world.
The Saudi program is a noble and fascinating claim to fame in modern science. Since 1990, for 34 years, surgeons at the Saudi program have evaluated more than 130 sets of Siamese twins from 23 countries across three continents. Among the most recent successful surgeries was the case of Iraqi Siamese twins, Ali and Omar.
The Kingdom continues to extend a warm welcome to cases of conjoined twins, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarianism and medical excellence – and the intersection between the two.
Dr. Jamal Al Harbi
Regarding cases involving Pakistani siblings, the successful separation of twins Fatima and Mashael nearly two years ago also stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s expertise. Another successful separation surgery for Pakistani conjoined twins had occurred in 2016. The Kingdom continues to extend its warm welcome to cases of conjoined twins, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarianism and medical excellence-- and the intersection between the two.
The inaugural operation, led by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah occurred on December 31, 1990. Dr. Al-Rabiah mentioned in an interview with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the journey of twin separation operations truly commenced with the successful separation of Sudanese twins in 1992. This marked the formation of a specialized team dedicated to such operations. The twins, Samah and Heba, went on to live in the Kingdom, completing their university studies and currently pursuing their master’s degrees.
In line with its humanitarian role, the Kingdom has consistently welcomed Siamese twins irrespective of their race or affiliation, aiming to alleviate their suffering and that of their families. The gesture and support reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to providing exemplary help to the families of conjoined twins, and turning Saudi Arabia into their home away from home.
– Dr. Jamal Alharbi is a writer on international affairs and media advisor at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.
