In February 2002, I made the decision to establish a medical organization dedicated to advancing Pediatric Cardiology in the Middle East. This decision was born out of a deep personal passion for this sub-specialty of medicine, an acute awareness of the region's pressing healthcare needs, and a vision to create a lasting impact on public health. Additionally, the idea grew in my mind, out of the awareness that the Middle East, due to a high rate of in sanguinity marriages, not only suffers from a more complex category of congenital heart diseases. Also, as according to still challenges in the health care system in many of the countries in the Middle East, a large number of our patients are late presenters and hence our area did have a different story to tell and share with the world. 

The Inspiration behind the Vision

My journey toward this mission began with a profound realization of the importance of trying to establish an organization to represent this unserved category of patients and convince some of the health care giver to also have a look at their needs. Witnessing patients and especially their parents struggle with limited access to quality care deeply affected me. Children and adults with congenital Heart disease, was not only relatively prevalent but also under-addressed in many parts of the Middle East. I felt compelled to step forward and create a platform that would address these critical gaps.

Understanding the Region's Challenges

In 2002, the Middle East faced significant challenges in healthcare especially when dealing with children and adults with congenital heart disease. Additionally, specialized medical infrastructure and trained professionals were scarce, especially in poorer countries. These realities underscored the urgent need for a dedicated organization that could serve as a beacon for both patients and practitioners.

The Mission and Goals

My vision was clear: to establish an organization that would not only provide state-of-the-art care but also foster education, research, and collaboration in the field of pediatric cardiology. Our goals were ambitious but essential—raising awareness, training the next generation of specialists, and advocating for preventive healthcare measures.

Overcoming Hurdles

The path was not easy. Financial constraints, logistical barriers, and the need to navigate cultural sensitivities posed significant challenges. However, my determination to bring this vision to life remained steadfast. Collaborating with local authorities, international institutions, and passionate colleagues, we gradually overcame these obstacles.

Transforming the Landscape

Despite of different setbacks at the beginning of establishing the organization, over the years, PACHDA has achieved milestones that I could only dream of in 2002. We were able to establish a constitution, have an uncomplicated follow up of leaders of the organization. We could convince hundreds of people from the Middle East working in the field worldwide to join the organization, hosted almost on a yearly basis educational seminar for healthcare professionals, and launched campaigns to promote health awareness. Of course, the two years of Covid19 was also worldwide a large setback.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude and pride. While much has been accomplished, the journey is far from over. My hope is for the organization to continue and flourish under the new leadership

2nd February 2025