In less than two years after its opening in Moka, Apollo Bramwell Hospital has successfully performed the first clinical procedure using stem cells.

Subhash Chanda Maudhoo, 70, a long-time diabetes patient who was bound for foot amputation, was the first to sign up for the
revolutionary treatment.

“I’m feeling better already. My foot is not swollen anymore and I have finally started feeling some relief, after three years of pain and torture,” said Maudhoo, a few days after receiving the treatment.

“The procedure went well and we hope to see visible changes in the weeks to come,” said Dr Salah Al Janabi, who is heading the stem cell programme at Apollo Bramwell Hospital.

The programme, a first in Mauritius and the Sub-Saharan region, uses the restorative and curative powers of bone marrow stem cells in treating diseases such as obstructed arteries and veins, gangrene, amputation of diabetic foot, heart diseases,
orthopaedic and sports injuries and bone fractures among others.

“The Stem Cell Department has state-of-the-art equipment and is managed by dedicated scientists and doctors who received training in the United States, Europe and Australia to provide the latest medical advancement in stem cell therapy to patients,” said Dr Miodrag Todorovic, clinical advisor of Medical Services and Quality Control at the hospital.

Statistics have shown that about 400 amputations are performed every year due to diabetes-related complications, including gangrene.

“These amputations lead to physical disability and can occasionally cause death. Stem cell is an undifferentiated cell with self renewal capabilities that can differentiate themselves into other types of cells,” explained Dr Al Janabi
He added, “When stem cells are introduced in the body of a patient, they can regenerate the patient’s blood vessels thus avoiding amputations.”

The programme has also established collaborations with leading university hospitals in Germany and France.