The Cardiac and Vascular Diseases and Kidney Transplant Center in Taiz, Yemen, has emerged as a critical medical hub, performing over 1,500 open-heart surgeries and 4,340 catheterization procedures since its 2021 founding. According to Al Jazeera, the facility provides life-saving, affordable care to patients who would otherwise struggle to afford treatment abroad, supported by a multi-national team of specialists and local benefactors.
How a Besieged City Built a Medical Powerhouse
In July 2021, Professor Abudar al-Ganadi returned to his hometown of Taiz to establish a cardiovascular center inside the city’s Republican Hospital. At the time, the facility was severely limited, with only two floors available and non-functional medical equipment. Despite these constraints, al-Ganadi—the only cardiovascular surgery consultant in Taiz—partnered with private sector entities to secure essential supplies.
The Hayel Saeed Anam Group played a significant role, providing equipment from the previously shuttered Yemen International Hospital. The center’s growth has been rapid; while it performed only three to five surgeries a month in its first year, it now handles approximately 500 operations monthly. This volume includes 50 adult cardiac surgeries, 70 vascular surgeries, and 300 cardiac catheterization procedures, according to Al Jazeera.
The Cardiac and Vascular Diseases and Kidney Transplant Center has completed 164 kidney transplants and its first three liver transplants, marking a significant expansion of Yemen’s surgical capabilities.
Reducing the Financial Burden of Specialized Care
For many Yemeni patients, the center provides a cost-effective alternative to traveling abroad. Dr. Nader al-Hammadi, a resident physician at the center, notes that the cost of open-heart surgery abroad can reach $20,000, excluding travel and accommodation. In contrast, the same procedure at the Taiz center costs $5,000, with patients paying only $2,000 and the remainder covered by local organizations like the Hayel Saeed Anam Group, Al-Zailai Company, and Al-Kuraimi Bank.
This financial model has made the facility a primary destination for complex procedures. Dr. al-Hammadi estimates that 1,000 of the 1,500 open-heart surgeries performed at the center would have required international travel had the facility not opened. Additionally, the center has distinguished itself by performing 220 minimally invasive heart procedures that are often unavailable elsewhere.
Collaborative Efforts in Pediatric Cardiology
Between May 16 and 21, 2026, the center hosted a “Catheterization and Complex Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Camp.” This multinational effort involved medical teams from Qatar’s Sidra Medicine, working alongside consultant doctors from across Yemen. The camp successfully treated 110 children, including ten-year-old Noor Majid, who underwent surgery for an atrial septal defect (ASD).
According to Al Jazeera, this camp represents the largest medical initiative of its kind in Yemen to date. The effort received support from the Qatar Charity and the Qatar Red Crescent, highlighting the role of international humanitarian cooperation in maintaining specialized care during the ongoing conflict in the region.
When evaluating the impact of regional medical centers, look at the ratio of “in-country” versus “out-of-country” procedures. The ability to perform complex surgeries like liver transplants domestically, as seen in Taiz, is a key indicator of a maturing healthcare infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of surgeries are performed at the Taiz Cardiac Center?
The center specializes in cardiovascular and kidney surgeries. This includes open-heart surgeries, vascular operations, catheterization procedures, urology operations, kidney transplants, and recently, liver transplants.
How is the center funded?
The center is supported by a combination of patient contributions and funding from local benefactors, including the Hayel Saeed Anam Group, Al-Zailai Company, and Al-Kuraimi Bank, which help subsidize the cost of operations.
Who performed the recent pediatric surgeries in Taiz?
The surgeries were performed by a joint team of Qatari, Arab, and French doctors from Sidra Medicine, in collaboration with Yemeni consultant doctors.
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