Badr Al Samaa Royal Hospital marked another milestone in healthcare innovation with the inauguration of Oman's first AI-Powered Cath Lab featuring Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) technology in the private healthcare sector. The advanced facility was inaugurated by Her Excellency Dr. Fatma Mohammed Al Ajmi, Executive President of the Oman Medical Specialty Board, in the presence of the Managing Directors, Executive Directors, Governing Council Members, senior doctors, invited dignitaries, and healthcare professionals.
The newly launched AI-Powered Cath Lab combines Artificial Intelligence with cutting-edge imaging and treatment technologies to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of complex coronary artery disease. OCT enables cardiologists to obtain high-resolution images from inside the coronary arteries, while IVL safely treats heavily calcified arterial blockages using acoustic pressure waves, allowing for safer interventions, greater procedural precision, and improved patient outcomes.
The facility has been established at the Badr Royal Heart Centre, headed by Dr. Benny Panakkal, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Group Medical Director. Equipped with advanced diagnostic facilities, specialized cardiac services, and a state-of-the-art Cardiac Critical Care Unit, the centre now offers one of the most comprehensive cardiac care programs in Oman. The addition of the AI-Powered Cath Lab further strengthens its capability to provide world-class heart care closer to home.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Ayshath Shakeela, Branch Head of Badr Al Samaa Royal Hospital, described the inauguration as a historic milestone in the hospital's journey of clinical excellence and innovation. She also expressed her gratitude to the Chief Guest, the management, healthcare professionals, partners, and all those whose vision, dedication, and collaboration made this milestone possible.
Speaking at the inauguration, Her Excellency Dr. Fatma Mohammed Al Ajmi congratulated Badr Al Samaa Royal Hospital on introducing another advanced healthcare technology to the Sultanate. She appreciated the hospital's continued commitment to innovation and noted that the AI-powered Cath Lab with OCT and IVL would significantly enhance cardiac care by enabling more precise diagnosis, safer procedures, and better clinical outcomes for patients.
Mr. Abdul Latheef Uppala and Dr. P. A. Mohamed, Managing Directors of Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, jointly said:
"The launch of Oman's first AI-Powered Cath Lab with OCT and IVL technology in the private healthcare sector reflects our unwavering commitment to bringing globally benchmarked medical technologies to Oman. At Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, we continuously invest in innovation so that our patients receive world-class treatment without the need to travel abroad. This milestone is another step in strengthening our Centres of Excellence and delivering advanced, patient-centric healthcare."
Mr. Firasath Hassan and Mr. Moiden Bilal, Executive Directors of Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, added:
"Healthcare is constantly evolving, and so are we. We remain committed to strengthening our clinical capabilities by introducing advanced technologies, expanding specialized services, and ensuring that every patient benefits from safe, effective, and internationally benchmarked healthcare." Both executive directors presented the memento of appreciation to the chief guest, Her Excellency Dr. Fatma Mohammed Al Ajmi.
During the event, Dr. Benny Panakkal, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and Group Medical Director, delivered a comprehensive overview of the newly launched AI-Powered Cath Lab with OCT and IVL technology. He highlighted how the integration of Artificial Intelligence, high-resolution intravascular imaging, and intravascular lithotripsy is transforming the way complex coronary interventions are performed. Dr. Benny Panakkal also presented a case study in which he had successfully used OCT and IVL, demonstrating how these advanced technologies provide greater clarity than conventional angiography, enable more precise treatment planning, optimize stent placement, and improve procedural outcomes.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Sameer P.T., CEO, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest, distinguished guests, doctors, partners, and everyone who contributed to the successful launch. He emphasized that quality and innovation are embedded in the DNA of Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals, and reaffirmed the organization's commitment to continuously introducing globally benchmarked technologies that benefit the community and elevate the standard of healthcare in Oman.
The program was compered by Dr. Bashair Khalfan Al Rashdi, General Dentist, Badr Al Samaa Royal Hospital.
The launch of the AI-Powered Cath Lab represents another significant milestone in Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals' journey of clinical excellence and innovation, reinforcing its vision of making advanced, world-class cardiac care more accessible to the people of Oman.
