Mubadala Healthcare, the specialist division of Mubadala Development Company, and Wooridul Spine Hospital of the Republic of Korea, today announced their agreement to establish a spine centre in Abu Dhabi.

Scheduled for completion by the end of 2010, the Abu Dhabi Spine Centre will treat low-acuity spine injury patients, based on minimally invasive treatment principles. The Centre will cover spine disease prevention, diagnosis, testing, treatment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation for inpatients and outpatients throughout the region.

Minimally invasive spinal surgery is an advanced medical technique, which is performed under local anesthesia and can preserve normal healthy structure by using endoscope and laser. It provides a rapid recovery without any complications, after-effects, or side-effects to patients suffering from spinal diseases.

The Centre will be the first of its kind to address the significant prevalence of spine and lower back injuries in the region. Patients who currently have to travel abroad will soon benefit from the highest international standards of care in Abu Dhabi.

Korean spine specialist, Wooridul, will be the clinical operator of the new spine centre, bringing with them over 26 years of experience in spine care.

“I am delighted to announce our partnership with Wooridul to create the region’s first dedicated spine centre. Their vast experience and award-winning expertise demonstrates our commitment to working with the very best international medical institutions to provide world-class treatment for patients in Abu Dhabi and the region,” said Mark Erhart, Executive Director of Mubadala Healthcare.

“Today’s agreement,” Erhart added, “Marks another significant step forward in Mubadala’s commitment to creating a robust integrated healthcare network that is developed around the needs of patients.”

Say Ho Lee, Chairman of Wooridul Spine Hospital said, “This is a significant agreement for Wooridul Spine Hosptial and we are delighted to be working together with Mubadala Healthcare. We are confident that Mubadala’s experience combined with our medical capabilities will result in an outstanding new facility for the region.”

The new Centre will be located in Arzanah, the mixed-used development surrounding Zayed Stadium, alongside other Mubadala Healthcare facilities - the Abu Dhabi Knee and Sports Medicine Centre and the Arzanah Medical and Diagnostic Centre. The proximity of these other facilities will allow for bilateral referral opportunities and shared diagnostic imaging facilities, providing patients with an integrated and seamless service to suit their needs.

Helping to enhance the private healthcare infrastructure of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, Mubadala Healthcare is mandated to deploy the capital investment needed to build facilities and services that will help create an integrated healthcare delivery network. This will include providing patient care and ancillary services, biotechnology, medical equipment, device manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.