The Health Authority Abu Dhabi unveils five-year strategic plan

The Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) announced Monday its 5-year strategic plan, which addresses 12 priorities based on the Government's vision for the health system of the Emirate and the comprehensively analysed needs of the population.

HE Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, chairman of the HAAD emphasizes that "the strategic plan of the HAAD will substantially contribute towards the Government's mission to improve lives and ensure that present and future generations in the Emirate will be part of a confident and secure society." On his part, Zaid Al Siksek, CEO of the HAAD pointed out that "the strategic plan of the HAAD will play an important role in growing and sustaining the flourishing economy by creating high-quality job opportunities and wealth of know-how and intellectual property." The demand for high-quality health services in the Emirate is increasing very rapidly. The birth rate is amongst the highest in the world and more people are reaching old-age than ever before. Many individuals and families are coming to live and work in the Emirate to contribute to the ongoing "economic development miracle".

Simultaneously, people with life-style associated risk factors, serious diseases, and accident related afflictions, are increasing. Thus, the health system constantly needs to respond to the changing healthcare needs of all people in the Emirate.
/WAM/

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Compulsory health cover scheme for nationals launched in Abu Dhabi

The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HA-AD) has commenced the execution of a scheme for periodic medical examination "Weqaya" and a health insurance scheme "Thiqa" for nationals in Abu Dhabi.

This announcement was made Monday at a press conference held by HA-AD in Abu Dhabi with representatives from Daman and Seha attending, where HE Dr. Ahmad Mubarak Al Mazroui, Chairman of HA-AD announced the mandatory Periodic Medical Examination "Weqaya" and Health Insurance Scheme "Thiqa" for National of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and those of similar status.

According to this scheme, healthcare treatment and services for all those included will be provided by both public and private healthcare provider facilities, in line with Daman's benefits schedules that are validated by HA-AD.

The National Health Insurance Company - Daman is assigned as a Third Party Administrator (TPA) company through its new Thiqa programme, where it will be the exclusive company providing benefits to Nationals and those included in the scheme.

According to this scheme, all Nationals should visit Seha's primary healthcare facilities to undergo a free-of-charge Periodic Medical Examination by qualified nurses before registering for a Thiqa Card. The medical examination consists of measuring height, weight, blood pressure, as well as blood testing for diabetes, high cholesterol, and other diseases.

During his speech, Dr. Ahmad Al Mazrouie, Chairman of HA-AD, commented that the early stages of implementing the new Health Insurance Scheme for Nationals are running smoothly thanks to the cooperation with the involved parties.

He added that Seha has already started performing the medical examinations one some UAE Nationals at its dedicated healthcare facilities before the issuance of "Thiqa" Card. The examinations will aid HA-AD in statistically defining the most common diseases affecting UAE Nationals today.

He also commended the new Scheme and the work carried by the government to improve the Emirate?s health services standards. In a short period of time, Abu Dhabi has attracted international hospitals to manage public healthcare facilities and has applied internationally-acclaimed standards, making Abu Dhabi a regional medical hub.

Dr. Al Mazrouie commended the Scheme that he regards as a National necessity, as it grants Nationals broader coverage and includes more health services. Dr. Al Mazrouie thanked all the parties and persons involved in the Scheme which was mandated according to the directions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, President of the UAE, and the guidance of the Crown Prince HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Dr. Al Mazrouie stated that the Health Insurance Scheme applied for Expatriates over the last two years was a huge step forwards and has elevated the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to the highest ranks of the international health standards Dr. Michael Bitzer, CEO of Daman stated, "Daman is fully prepared to launch its Thiqa Program and to commence enrolling Nationals in the new Health Insurance Scheme. We have employed the finest resources to manage Thiqa, which will be replacing the existing Health Card system for Nationals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi." Mr. Carl Stevens, CEO of Seha, stated that Seha has already begun receiving Nationals in its primary healthcare facilities to undergo the medical examination.

Also worth mentioning, HA-AD in collaboration with Daman and Seha, has set up a system, procedures, and policies to fully implement the Scheme's regulations. WAM

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New study published on Care for Elderly People in UAE

The Centre for Information Affairs has published a new study entitled 'Care for Elderly People in the United Arab Emirates'. The study coincides the 'Abu Dhabi International Conference for Aging' to be held in Abu Dhabi between 22-24 April under the Chairmanship of HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.

The study sheds light on the comprehensive vision of H.H. President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan that encompasses all aspects of human life, and extends its care to all social categories, especially the elderly.

The study also analyzes the various issues related to the care of elderly people, introducing the status of the elderly people in international conventions as well as in the UAE legislations. It highlights some of the efforts and programs addressed to this category of people.

It spotlights the institutional services implemented for the care of the elderly people by governmental as well as private institutions. WAM

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Smoking ban still under consideration

A smoking ban in shopping malls, restaurants and indoor public places in Abu Dhabi and the Western Region is still under consideration, Dr. Juan bin Salim Al Dhahiri, Chairman of Municipal Affairs Department in Abu Dhabi, has told Khaleej Times.

At a meeting with the managers of shopping centres, Al Dhahiri said it had been agreed to study the issue so as not to affect the turnout of members of the public to these facilities.

'Further, a comprehensive study is imperative before the ban takes effect as the prime goal is to serve public interest,' he maintained.

He, however, affirmed that a smoking ban in public places and shopping malls in Al Ain will take effect on April 15.

'We will follow up and monitor consequences of the resolution on all sides so as to determine whether or not to make a public announcement concerning the emirate of Abu Dhabi,' he added.

Meanwhile, a large segment of Abu Dhabi residents and officials told Khaleej Times that they were in favour of the proposed smoking ban in shopping malls and public places in the capital.

'We hope the smoking ban comes into effect in the emirate soon,' a resident said while hailing the move as very important in the interest of public health.

Eng. Omar Al Hashemi, Head of Municipal Services, hailed the move as 'very important,' since the protection of public health is a top priority for the government. He hoped the resolution will see the light of the day very soon.

Mohammed Shams Al Ala, a manager in a shopping mall in Abu Dhabi, said, 'What is important is the opinion of the public as the prime concern of shopping centres is that the resolution should not keep mall-goers away as this will dampen commercial gains.

Dr. Abdul Ghafar Abdul Gufour, Health Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for Preventive Medicine, has called for acceleration of the process of enforcing the ban in enclosed places.

'The ban will the protect smokers themselves and help them to think of quitting the bad habit and sparing their bodies of 25 killer diseases including mouth, throat, lung, renal, bladder, pancreas and pharynx cancers in addition to cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Non-smokers are also vulnerable to these chronic ills,' he said.

Citing World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, he said four million people die each year of diseases associated or caused by smoking, a figure exceeding the victims of the nuclear explosions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan during the World War II which were estimated at 250,000.

The Secretary-General of Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, Majed Al Mansouri, said tobacco smoking is one of the most harmful source of environment pollution as it contains more than 4,000 poisonous gases and particles.

'Smoking also pollutes the environment and so do the wastes produced by packs, cigarette butts and matches. Smoking increases maintenance costs of ventilation systems. Most fires were caused by littering of cigarettes butts. We are in favour of the ban in enclosed places for the safety of human lives and the environment,' he added.

Mohammed Al Sayed, a father, said his children always suffer from chest probnlems as they frequent shopping malls. 'Now, I do not take them to these places when I go with my wife for shopping,' he added.

Afra Khaled, a UAE national, said the cigarette smell on my clothes is unbearable due to the smoke from cigarettes at shopping malls. She called for imposition of the ban without any delay.

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Two multi-speciality hospitals for labourers in Abu Dhabi

Two new multi-speciality hospitals are coming up in the capital to provide medical care and emergency services to more than 300,000 labourers.

Developed by the Lifeline Hospital Group, a leading healthcare provider in Abu Dhabi, and the International Contracting Company (ICC), the two hospitals are being built at the Workers Village coming up in the industrial cities of Mussafah and Al Raha, which is under construction.

The village in each area is designed to accommodate 160,000 labourers.

Speaking at a Press conference yesterday, Dr Shamsheer V.P., managing director of Lifeline Hospital Group, said the construction of the 80-bed Lifecare Al Raha Hospital was scheduled to be completed in July this year and the 100-bed Lifecare Mussafah Hospital was expected to be ready by February, 2009, he announced.

The hospitals were being built at a total investment of Dh180 million.

"There are many large-scale projects which are under way in the emirate. It is a must that the labourers are also provided with proper healthcare facilities in their neighbourhood. The Lifecare hospitals concept is aimed to provide best healthcare facilities for communities in their neighbourhood," said Dr Shamsheer.
About the medical care the new hospitals would provide, he said, the hospitals were second care facilities that would focus on emergency services, trauma centre and as well as treatment in different specialities like ENT, orthopaedic, rehabilitation, ophthalmology and psychological counselling. Source

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World Childhood Cancer Day today

Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) will observe the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) today with a variety of awareness activities for the public.

The programmes will help raise awareness on the advantage of early diagnosis in saving children’s lives.

To be organised in association with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company — SEHA, and the National Drilling Company, the two-day activities will include a host of informative programmes for children and their parents at different shopping malls in the capital.

The International Confederation of Childhood Cancer Parent Organisation (ICCCPO) observes the ICCD, which was declared in Luxembourg in September 2001 to stress on the importance of early diagnosis of the disease so as to ensure effective treatment of children.

ICCCPO estimates that up to 100,000 children die from cancer worldwide each year because they lack access to optimal treatment. Source

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New Ambulatory Healthcare Centre in Khalifa City

Abu Dhabi crown prince and deputy supreme commander of the UAE armed forces, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan inaugurated here today the new Ambulatory Healthcare Centre of the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City "A".

The inaugural ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), a number of SEHA's management and medical team and invited guests.

In a keynote address, Dr. Al Mazrouei, said under the leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the auspices General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council has committed itself to upgrading the healthcare delivery system of Abu Dhabi to world class standards.

"It is under SEHA and through partnership and management agreements with leading international healthcare services providers that SEHA will bring world class healthcare delivery to all the residents of Abu Dhabi," he stated.

SEHA is the new independent public joint stock company launched in December, 2007 to manage all curative activities for the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate. The launching of the new outpatient healthcare center, the first of 37 such clinics to be upgraded in Abu Dhabi, is one of the first steps in SEHA's long term plan to overhaul the healthcare system of the Emirate and deliver medical services to the people of Abu Dhabi, equal to the best systems in the world.

The new Ambulatory Healthcare Centre (AHC) is located in Khalifa City - "A", in section 135 near 13th and 16th streets.

Mr. Saif Al Qubaisi, Managing Director of SEHA, said the Emiri Decree (10) of 2007 which created SEHA "requires us to raise the bar of excellence in healthcare delivery and to deliver world class healthcare services to the people of Abu Dhabi." "This Centre is just one of many steps to achieving that goal. SEHA has in turn, partnered with world renowned international hospital operators who can deliver to the people of Abu Dhabi state of the art systems and standards equal to the best systems in the world. SEHA will oversee these operators as we move from a non-profit, government operational model to one run in the competitive environment of the private sector," he said.

"By using technology and by customizing the services we offer, we will improve delivery of healthcare service," he added.

He pointed out that to the patient, it means they have less waiting time for results and easier appointments. Over time, since it is less expensive and more convenient for the patient to perform some services in a local setting rather than in a hospital, it will also mean more efficient use of resources and lower costs." In addition, Mr. Al Qubaisi said, ?SEHA is committed to providing quality healthcare for the community in a socially responsible and cost effective manner on par with international standards. We are going to measure that goal against benchmarks of accessibility, affordability, choice and satisfaction." Asked why the name change to Ambulatory Healthcare Centre, Dr. John Evangelista, Director of Ambulatory Healthcare Services for SEHA said, "Ambulatory Care is 21st century outpatient care. It is a new term to this part of the world but widely accepted and used internationally. Largely due to advances in technology, it describes a suite of services many of which were formerly delivered only in hospitals. In medical terms, ambulatory care translates best in Arabic as "outpatient", he explained.

Dr. Abdul Hadi Sufan Al Ahbabi, Health Operations Manager for SEHA Ambulatory Healthcare Services added, "Ambulatory care represents a significant upgrade to the services of the Primary Healthcare Clinics. While we offer many of the same services the community expects such as family medicine, maternal and child health and health education, we are augmenting the service menu to include additional diagnostic services, dental health services, and an on-site laboratory. Other services including specialist consultation will be available in some of our Ambulatory Healthcare Centres. We will tailor the services offered in each community based on the social, biomedical feedback, health services research and public health experience of each community?.

Dr. Al Ahbabi confirmed that Khalifa A is one of three modern AHC's which will be inaugurated over the next two months according to the development plan for SEHA's Ambulatory Healthcare Services program in Abu Dhabi. Over the next two years a number of new Centres will be built and others will be razed or remodeled to upgrade services.

The Khalifa "A" AHC services include ten rooms for medical checkup and Family Medicine, a laboratory equipped with the some latest equipment, a radiology department equipped with a digital radiography system, and a machine for ultrasound medical imaging, a dental clinic consisting of four clinics equipped with an adjoining dental laboratory and a modern and digital radiography, a pharmacy, a mother and child care section (monitoring of pregnancy and vaccinations), while the medical team consists of practicing physicians, specialists in family medicine, assisted by a team of world-class nurses and technicians The Clinic will also include the following specialized clinics: children's health, gynecology and childbirth, skin disorders and internal medicine.

Medical Services will be support by specialists from Al Mafraq and Al Rahba Hospitals to cover the specialized clinics. In the future, a specialized clinic for psychiatry will also be provided.(WAM)

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Shaikh Khalifa Medical City opens urgent care centre in Abu Dhabi

The Khalidiya Urgent Care Centre (KUCC) will open tomorrow, the management of Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) said on Tuesday.

They also announced the closure of the Central Hospital's Emergency Department. Walk-in-patients with urgent problems are encouraged to visit the 24-hour facility instead of the former Central Hospital Complex.
Urgent cases include abdominal pains, vomiting and diarrhoea in adults, coughs, colds, flu, earache, sore throats, eye problems, mild to moderate asthma, minor cuts or wounds, sudden back pain, sudden rashes, sprains and and urine problems.

There will be 19 treatment rooms in KUCC and 15 permanent physicians who previously served patients in Central Hospital.
"When I arrived at SKMC nine months ago, I knew there was room for improvement and through time, we have managed to educate patients that they should only visit the emergency ward for major illnesses. If the patient is not an emergency case, any walk-in patient will be granted treatment in our new facility," said Dr Kenneth Ouriel, CEO, SKMC, at a press conference yesterday.

Surge

Murray Van Dyke, Chairman of the Emergency Department, SKMC, KUCC will encourage approximately 125 to 135 walk-in-patients a day, similar to the former Central Hospital.

For emergencies, patients will be directed to the SKMC Emergency Department (ED). The following conditions will be dealt with: allergic reactions, chest pain, difficulties in breathing, fever in young infants, injuries from car accidents, poisoning, medications overdose, seizure, serious burns, serious wounds, serious head injuries, severe abdominal pain and vomiting and diarrhoea in young children.

According to Dyke, SKMC has witnessed a 90 per cent hike in emergency cases in the past four years. Compared to last year, 2008 has witnessed a surge from 50,000 patients to 89,000, not including 50,000 patients in Central Hospital.

"We receive six to seven ambulance cases each month. The largest proportion of cases admitted included people with abdominal pain, fever, chest pain and car or industrial accident cases," said Dyke. Source

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