After inaugurating the first specialized center for diagnosing and treating all types of cancer in the Kingdom...

OncoClinic CEO: We are working to provide an integrated model for cancer patient care that combines medical excellence and human care

OncoClinic is unique in offering a comprehensive treatment journey under one roof, starting with accurate diagnosis and then developing a suitable treatment plan

The CEO of OncoClinic clinics in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Muhammad Fayhan Al-Otaibi, affirmed that OncoClinic clinics in Riyadh represent a qualitative leap in healthcare in the Kingdom, highlighting their important role in transferring the operational system from global companies in Brazil and America to Saudi Arabia, supporting our approach that focused on blending technology with specialized national expertise recruited from major specialized Saudi hospitals.

In a special interview with Al-Riyadh newspaper, he said: We started where others ended, as we ensured that OncoClinic clinics are designed according to an integrated system to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients and treat various types of cancer, with medical services based on the highest international standards, while preserving the human dimension that is the core of our mission.

Dr. Al-Otaibi revealed several local, regional, and international agreements and partnerships aimed at upgrading medical services in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, enhancing disease prevention, and developing more efficient and sustainable treatment models, thereby contributing to transforming the Kingdom into a global destination for medical tourism.

*First, we hope you can tell us about OncoClinic's vision and mission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

OncoClinic clinics were established with a clear vision to develop the cancer patient care system and provide integrated medical services according to the highest international standards, while preserving the human dimension that is the core of our mission. We aspire to be the most trusted destination for cancer treatment in the Kingdom and the region, by combining medical excellence and human care, targeting patient comfort, based on our slogan: 'Because your life is our life.' This greatly contributes to building our institution's reputation and brand.

*What sets OncoClinic apart from other specialized centers for cancer treatment?

OncoClinic is a specialized center that offers a comprehensive treatment journey under one roof, starting with accurate diagnosis, then developing the appropriate treatment plan, and finally providing support and comprehensive care services. We also ensured that the clinics are designed in a modern way that differs from the traditional hospital layout, providing a comfortable environment that gives patients and their families a sense of reassurance, with dedicated spaces and rooms for patient companions, enhancing the family atmosphere during the treatment journey and improving the patient experience.

*What are the most prominent services that OncoClinic provides to cancer patients?

We offer an integrated system that includes diagnostic, treatment, and support services. At the diagnostic level, we provide the latest medical imaging technologies, integrated laboratories including pathology tests and genetic and molecular tests, in addition to reviewing each case through multidisciplinary medical teams to develop a treatment plan suitable for each patient.

At the treatment level, we offer various types of pharmacological treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, in addition to radiation therapy and radiopharmaceutical therapy, as well as providing opportunities to benefit from modern clinical trials, along with physical therapy provided by a specialized team in this field.

We also pay great attention to supportive care, including nutritional therapy, psychological support, pain management, dentistry, and social services, in addition to emergency services for cancer patients.

*OncoClinic possesses a range of the latest medical technologies. How do these technologies contribute to improving treatment?

Technology has become a key element in cancer treatment, so we invested in the latest global devices and technologies. We possess advanced devices, most notably PET-CT, MRI, CT, and Gamma Camera, in addition to the latest LINAC radiation therapy devices, endoscopy and ultrasound technologies, as well as molecular and genetic tests that help design treatments tailored to the biological characteristics of each tumor. We are also proud at OncoClinic to possess TULSA-PRO technology, one of the latest global technologies for treating prostate cancer, in addition to an advanced and exclusive device for prostate examination, which enhances opportunities for early diagnosis and precise treatment.

*What positive impact do international partnerships have on the level of services provided to patients?

We believe that transferring global knowledge and expertise is one of the most important factors in developing healthcare. Therefore, we have established strategic international partnerships with prestigious global institutions, most notably the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which is one of the educational centers affiliated with Harvard Medical School and the center accredited by the National Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a major educational entity affiliated with Harvard Medical School and a comprehensive cancer treatment center accredited by the National Cancer Institute. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute collaborates with us to provide advanced programs for physician education and training, support the development of specialized clinical programs, and contribute to quality and patient safety initiatives.

We also take pride in our distinguished partnerships with several leading medical and research institutions in the Kingdom that contribute to the exchange of expertise and best global practices.

*How does OncoClinic support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030?

Our strategy is highly aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. We complement the efforts of government and private institutions, whether through developing the quality of health services, investing in national competencies, supporting medical tourism, in addition to enhancing disease prevention and developing more efficient and sustainable treatment models.

We also aspire to contribute to making the Kingdom a regional and global center for cancer treatment by providing services that rival the best global centers, thereby reducing the need for treatment abroad and attracting patients from various countries.

*What about the Saudi national competencies working at OncoClinic?

We are proud to have an elite group of qualified Saudi medical, technical, and administrative staff with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating various types of cancer. We also continuously work on developing their skills through training and continuing education programs in cooperation with our international and local partners, contributing to building national competencies that compete on a global level.

*You recently signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding with medical entities and charitable associations. What is the importance of this step?

These agreements and memoranda of understanding stem from our medical and social responsibility, especially those we sign with charitable associations and entities. Among them, we recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Zahra Breast Cancer Association to support the care of breast cancer patients in the Kingdom. It aims to enhance their access to specialized care and provide medical and educational support to them in various regions of the Kingdom, thereby improving the quality of life and increasing rates of early detection and treatment.

*What values govern the work style within OncoClinic?