Abu dhabi: Operation Smile UAE is set to conduct its 18th short-term surgical programme on April 25-26, 2026, hosted by Healthpoint, part of the M42 group. The programme will provide free reconstructive surgeries for children and adults with cleft conditions, offering life-changing opportunities for those unable to access such care due to financial constraints or insufficient insurance coverage.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative aligns with the UAE Year of Family 2026 under the theme 'Growing in Unity,' promoting collaboration and professional development within the healthcare sector. Operation Smile, a leading medical volunteer-based nonprofit, aims to deliver safe surgical care and lasting change through its global family of staff, donors, volunteers, and patients.
The two-day programme will involve 50 Operation Smile credentialed medical professionals, covering various disciplines such as surgery, anesthesiology, nursing, pediatrics, dentistry, speech therapy, and psychosocial care. Operations will be conducted across three operating rooms and a dedicated post-operative ward at Healthpoint, showcasing a commitment to high-quality patient outcomes.
The programme will be led by a distinguished team, including Dr. Mahdi Shkoukani as Field Medical Director, Dr. Ahmad Al-Waa as Surgery Team Lead, Dr. Philipp Sagawe as Anesthesiology Team Lead, Dr. Oliver Keane as PACU Team Lead, and Dr. Sofia Konstantinopoulou as Pediatric Team Lead, with Sharif Alnatour serving as Clinical Coordinator.
Supported by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, the programme emphasizes mentorship and skill transfer, with seasoned volunteers working alongside residents and new participants. This fosters a legacy of growth, inspiring a new generation of caregivers, including former patients who now contribute to the organisation's mission.
Morag Cromey-Hawke, Executive Director of Operation Smile UAE, highlighted the programme's impact, stating that medical excellence and human connection go hand in hand, transforming lives and strengthening the bonds within the Operation Smile family in the UAE.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Operation Smile UAE, founded under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Aljazia bint Saif Al Nahyan, has provided hundreds of free surgeries and consultations, advancing local humanitarian healthcare capacity in comprehensive cleft care.
Healthpoint will provide logistical and clinical support for the programme, enabling the delivery of high-quality surgical care adhering to international medical standards.
