The Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) board of directors reviewed its accomplishments, projects and services provided to its patients and customers at its first meeting held at the headquarters.

The meeting was convened by Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami, chairman of the board.

The board reviewed the law that established the DHA, its parameters and the responsibilities of every board member, said Al Qatami.

The board also reviewed the hierarchy, programmes and projects currently underway, he said.

It heard the executive directors of every sector and hospital of the DHA, all of whom discussed the services provided by the hospitals and primary healthcare centres and the challenges they faced in promoting the services of the DHA.

The board reviewed the DHA’s financial position and its current strategy specifically related to revenues and expenditures, executive and operational plans and the mechanisms of operation.

Al Qatami said that the board was briefed about the developments of the health insurance law, its mechanisms and stages of implementing the law, which will aid  in setting up a state-of-the-art health system that provides financial sustainability and offers residents with access to affordable healthcare and flexibility in terms of health services.

The board also reviewed the Saada (means happiness in Arabic) programme, which the DHA will launch soon.

The  comprehensive programme will cover all nationals in Dubai who currently do not have any health scheme managed by the government of Dubai.

Al Qatami emphasised that the upcoming phase will witness significant changes in the quality and standard of services provided to customers in line the vision of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, with the aim of providing the finest healthcare services for locals, residents and visitors in Dubai.

The board will pay special attention to the strategy for the upcoming phase especially with regard to reinforcing partnerships with the private sector and reinforcing health investments in the health sector which is vibrant and dynamic, he said.

He added that investment promotion especially in advanced medical services will promote the health sector and also act as a catalyst for medical tourism.

Al Qatami said that currently the board is placing all its efforts on setting up the general policy for the DHA and the health facilities that fall under it as well as following up on the implementation of projects and approving the strategic, executive and developmental plans for the DHA and its healthcare facilities.

It is also concentrating on placing and following-up decrees related to practising health and licensing of healthcare facilities within Dubai. - TradeArabia News Service