Within the framework of Alexandria University’s commitment to advancing its medical services and strengthening international cooperation in healthcare, Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of the University, received Dr. Ziad Hegazy, Consultant of Pediatric Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology in the United States, and one of the leading experts in percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation, during his visit to the University Children’s Hospital in Smouha.

The visit was attended by Dr. Afaf El-Awady, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Dr. Tamer Abdullah, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Dr. Essam Bedewy, Acting Executive Director of University Hospitals; Dr. Ali Abdel Mohsen, Supervisor of the International Relations Office; Dr. Manal Abdel Gawad, Head of the Department of Pediatrics; and Dr. Hani Adel, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics.

During the meeting, Dr. Abdel Hakim welcomed the guest, emphasizing that the University places the development of its hospital system at the forefront of its priorities. He noted that the Smouha Children’s Hospital is continuously striving to provide the latest diagnostic and therapeutic approaches by hosting distinguished international expertise and transferring advanced medical technologies, particularly in the field of interventional cardiology for children.

For his part, Dr. Tamer Abdullah explained that the visit of the American expert lasted over two days, April 22 and 23, during which five successful pulmonary valve replacement procedures were performed via catheterization for children aged between 10 and 18 years, in collaboration with a specialized medical team from Alexandria University.

Dr. Ziad Hegazy expressed his pleasure at visiting Alexandria University, praising its distinguished scientific and medical standards. He noted that percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of pediatric heart diseases, despite its high cost. He also extended his gratitude to the Egyptian Food Bank for its full support and for covering the cost of these procedures, enabling children to receive life-changing treatment and return to normal life.