Championing the cause of separating Siamese twins

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s aid is reaching the far ends of the world, regardless of politics and religion. It offers assistance to the needy and continues to support international efforts through its organizations, thus emerging at the top in humanitarian work.
The Kingdom’s efforts simply do not stop at providing aid to people affected by wars, conflicts or natural calamities. It also offers non-refundable aid to implement social and economic development programs, in addition to a program to separate Siamese twins.
As many as 40 operations have been performed so far to separate Siamese twins under the program, which has put the Kingdom on a par with leading countries in the world.
Speaking to local media, Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, adviser in the royal court and general supervisor of King Salman Center for Humanitarian Aid, confirmed the leading role of the Kingdom in the service to humanity, “especially since the Kingdom brought smiles on the faces of many Siamese twins and their parents from 19 countries.”
Those twins were brought to the Kingdom where they were operated upon over a period of 26 years, regardless of their color, race or religion. Doctors are now receiving similar cases from Somalia, Sudan and Morocco.
Siamese twins are considered among the rare cases with one in every 200,000 births. The operation costs between SR300,000 and SR1 million. The Kingdom bears the cost, including the hosting of the family and the follow-up on the treatment.
The Kingdom is proud to have a specialized Saudi medical team for separation surgeries. The team is made up of 70 doctors and technicians.
Al-Rabeia’ said efforts will be doubled in research work in the medical field, and more cadres will be trained to increase the number of specialists in these (separation) operations.
He stressed that the Kingdom allows doctors to attend and take part in these operations, in addition to broadcasting the details of such surgeries to various medical centers and universities in the United States, Europe and Asia.
The Kingdom has a hospital that specializes in separating twins giving it an international status similar to those found in Virginia, Boston, Britain and Canada, added Al-Rabeeah.