Diaverum, the global renal care provider, has concluded the first in a global series of training symposiums designed specifically for medical specialists of renal care. The initiative was hosted to mark the launch of Diaverum Academy that aims to deliver world class training and continued education to medical professionals across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The three-day training symposium in Al Khobar was attended by more than 50 renal specialists including Professor Ahmed Mitwalli, Professor Samir Al Mealo, Professor Fadel Al Rowaie, Dr Abdul Razak Amir and Dr Ahmed Al Khunaizi. Commenting on the program, chairman of the Conference, Professor Ayman Karkar, Diaverum's medical director Middle East and head of physician education-Diaverum Academy, said: "We, in Diaverum Academy, are extremely pleased to see such a great turnout of Saudi and internationally renowned experts, coming together in a specially designed training curriculum to exchange best practices on a medical condition that is becoming increasingly common in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The program has been carefully designed and delivered by the best medical experts in their field and will be rolled out globally from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by Diaverum, making the country a pioneer in delivering world-class medical training." Ziyad Kabli, Middle East managing director, said: "Diaverum is very proud to have won a five-year contract from the Saudi Ministry of Health to care for 5,000 patients at a total of 93 centers across the country. Since we started, we have received 1,300 patients at 13 centers throughout the country and we have ambitious plans to open up to 30 clinics in 2016." Renowned renal care expert Professor Abdulla Al Sayyari, professor of medicine at King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, added: "Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious condition that requires cutting-edge technology and specialist care. It is estimated that currently 9% of the KSA population suffer from CKD, which may ultimately lead to a need for regular dialysis treatment. On an average, the number of patients requiring dialysis in Saudi Arabia grows by 10% annually. This rate is likely to increase with the rising numbers of elderly Saudi nationals mounting as well as the devastating rise in the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in Saudi Arabia." "This is why specialist, regular training sessions like the one organized by Diaverum are so important and so valuable. These knowledge sessions hone the skills and update the medical intelligence of Saudi healthcare professionals to deliver quality care to their fellow citizens," he added. Diaverum is a global renal care provider with a clear patient focus. As one of the world's leading renal care providers we stand for excellent medical quality, renal care services and a patient-centered research. Being product-independent also gives the firm the flexibility to offer individual treatments for the individual needs of our patients and by coordinating its patients' healthcare needs, and improving their quality of life. At the same time it is creating value in the healthcare system by optimizing the use of healthcare budgets — for the benefit of the patient and the society. Diaverum's experience in renal care dates back more than 20 years, when the first dialysis clinic was established, under the former name Gambro Healthcare, defining the Swedish roots. — SG
