SNUH becomes 1st foreign institution to operate a hospital in UAE for over a decade

Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) has solidified its position as a global healthcare leader by extending its contract by a third time to operate Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital (SKSH) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an additional two years.

SKSH is a 246-bed hospital located in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE. With a staff of 667 medical professionals, including 42 deployed from SNUH, the hospital has been serving an average of 7,000 patients monthly, with 84,859 outpatient visits recorded in 2023 alone.

This marks the first time a foreign medical institution has maintained hospital operations in the UAE for over a decade, surpassing even world-renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic.

The contract renewal, announced Wednesday, extends SNUH’s management of SKSH from Aug. 14, 2024, for another two years. This contract follows the initial agreement in August 2014 and a subsequent renewal in 2019, showcasing the enduring trust and satisfaction with SNUH’s medical expertise and management capabilities.

SNUH stressed that SKSH’s success is particularly thanks to its specialized centers for cancer, neurology, and cardiovascular care, which has not only elevated patient care but also significantly boosted the reputation of Korean healthcare in the region.

SNUH’s management has led to notable improvements in hospital performance and patient satisfaction. The implementation of the UniT based Performance Innovation Aid (UTOPIA) system has enhanced key performance indicators and safety metrics, with SKSH achieving the highest patient satisfaction scores among Sheikh Khalifa Royal Hospitals, as measured by the Press Ganey survey.

Looking ahead, SKSH CEO Lee Jung-yul stressed his plans to further strengthen patient care, education, and research capabilities through continued collaboration with SNUH.

“Future initiatives include expanding services in cardiovascular, neurology, and oncology centers, implementing AI-driven diagnostic and research projects, and enhancing local medical education through internship and residency programs for UAE medical students,” Lee said.

SNUH President Kim Young-tae also said, “This contract renewal is a testament to our exceptional performance and the deep trust we’ve built in the UAE over the past decade.”

It reaffirms the international recognition of SNUH’s medical expertise and professionalism, Kim added.