Qatar’s Korean Medical Center launches nation’s first widely accessible stem cell therapy

QATAR—The Korean Medical Center (KMC) in Qatar has launched the country’s first widely accessible stem cell therapy program, offering a revolutionary non-surgical treatment for early-stage joint degeneration.

Previously, stem cell therapy was limited to niche groups, but now any eligible patient in Qatar can benefit from this innovative treatment.

Led by Dr. Youngwoong Back, head of KMC’s Spine & Joint Center, the program provides a minimally invasive alternative to joint replacement surgery.

It targets patients with cartilage defects, early osteoarthritis, or ligament injuries by using live stem cells harvested from the patient’s own bone marrow.

 These cells are injected directly into the damaged joint to slow cartilage deterioration and reduce pain.

Dr. Back emphasizes the importance of early intervention: many patients wait until pain becomes unbearable, by which time joint damage is often irreversible.

Stem cell therapy does not rebuild cartilage from scratch but creates a supportive environment that stabilizes tissue, reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, and slows further degeneration.

For patients in early to middle stages of joint disease, this treatment can preserve mobility and potentially delay or avoid surgery.

The procedure is performed without general anesthesia or the need for an operating room.

Bone marrow is extracted from the pelvic bone, and the stem cells are reinjected into the affected joint.

Most patients experience little pain during the injection and only mild discomfort at the donor site afterward.

KMC’s stem cell therapy is backed by scientific partnerships with South Korea’s leading regenerative research institutions, EHL Bio and GC Genome.

These collaborations ensure that cutting-edge global innovations are integrated with local patient care.

Clinical results are promising, with 90-95% of early-stage joint degeneration patients reporting significant pain relief and improved mobility within weeks.

Dr. Back brings over 13 years of expertise as a Korean board-certified orthopedic surgeon affiliated with South Korea’s Asan Medical Center and trained at the Mayo Clinic in the US and facilities in the UAE.

His experience supports KMC’s goal to meet Qatar’s growing demand for preventative and regenerative joint care.

KMC CEO Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul describes the launch as a “statement of intent,” setting a new standard for healthcare access in Qatar and the region.

By making stem cell therapy broadly available, KMC is moving regenerative medicine beyond niche cases to mainstream treatment.

The center’s approach prioritizes patient-centric care, timely intervention, and individualized treatment delivered responsibly and at scale.

Located in Lusail City, the Korean Medical Center spans over 30,000 square meters and is positioned to become a leading regional healthcare hub.

Its partnership with EHL Bio, a global pioneer in stem cell innovation, further enhances its capacity to provide advanced therapies for a range of conditions including neurological, metabolic, autoimmune, and musculoskeletal diseases.

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