Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil pledges AED 4 million to fund 10 advanced osseointegration surgeries at Burjeel Medical City for underprivileged amputees.
Abu Dhabi: In a major philanthropic gesture, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, has pledged AED 4 million to provide osseointegration surgeries in the UAE for amputees in need. The announcement came at the launch of the Al Muderis Osseointegration Clinic at Burjeel Medical City (BMC), where 10 advanced prosthetic procedures will be offered free of charge to underprivileged individuals.
This marks the first time the highly specialised osseointegration technique will be available in the Middle East. Performed by globally acclaimed orthopaedic surgeon Prof. Dr. Munjed Al Muderis, these surgeries offer transformative outcomes for amputees, replacing traditional socket-based prosthetics with a more integrated, bone-anchored system.
“We’re fortunate to operate under visionary leadership. This initiative is rooted in compassion, restoring dignity through innovation,” said Dr. Shamsheer, calling it a meaningful step in the UAE’s Year of the Community.
The OPL (Osseointegrated Prosthetic Limb) system uses a titanium implant that bonds with the bone and extends through the skin to securely attach an external prosthesis. This direct connection offers superior mobility, comfort, and sensory feedback—called osseoperception—giving users a lifelike, intuitive prosthetic experience.
The surgeries will be conducted at the newly launched clinic in partnership with the Paley Middle East Clinic. Prof. Dr. Al Muderis, known for pioneering single-stage osseointegration techniques and having performed over 1,200 such procedures globally, emphasised the impact: “Mobility is life. This technology empowers even complex amputees to reclaim independence and quality of life.”
Dr. Al Muderis, who fled Iraq as a refugee and became a world leader in orthopaedic innovation, noted that the procedure addresses mobility loss from trauma, diabetes, and vascular conditions.
Candidates for the surgeries will be identified by a team of specialists based on medical necessity and clinical evaluations. The initiative highlights the UAE’s growing capacity to deliver world-class medical innovations locally while supporting vulnerable communities.
