DHA to remedy lack of Emiratis in medicine

Dubai - After graduation, the students will be placed in jobs at DHA hospitals and clinics, with additional monthly cash incentives for nursing and paramedic students

The shortage of Emiratis in medicine may soon be a thing of a the past. To attract nationals into the medical field, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is soon set to spend millions of dirhams, especially in the area of nursing.
The authority has launched an ambitious programme to overcome the Emiratisation challenges the sector currently faces, after studies showed up the lack of locals, especially in nursing and paramedic sectors.

On Wednesday, the DHA announced the "Sponsoring Emiratis in the Medical Sector" programme. The tuition fees for 130 Emiratis from all over country will be paid each year, enabling them to continue their higher medical education.
"There is a need for experienced Emirati cadres in the medical sector in Dubai to support the growing developments of this vital sector," said Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director General of the DHA. "By launching this programme, we hope to not only elevate this sector, but also support the Emiratisation drive in Dubai," he said.
After graduation, the students will be placed in jobs at DHA hospitals and clinics. DHA will also encourage students to excel, with monthly cash incentives for nursing and paramedic students.
Lack of local presence
Emiratis in the medical field currently stand at 40 per cent in paramedics, 27 per cent in the medical (doctors) sector, and a mere one percent in nursing.
Emirati high school students will be chosen for the sponsorship programme, based on certain criteria. Students interested in applying can visit the DHA website. "We will soon run an awareness campaign in schools and universities in coordination with the Ministry of Education (MoE)," said Amna Al Suwaidi, Director of Human Resources, DHA.
"Those interested can apply through the authority website or even walk-ins. Selection will be done through a committee," she said.
The DHA has also launched a seven-year long study to identify the current gaps. A previous study found that one of the reasons fewer Emiratis took up medicine is the duration of study involved - getting a medical degree can take up to seven years, with another six to seven for practical training and experience.
So, offering secured jobs after graduation is one way that DHA is encouraging students with. In May, the authority also offered 400 jobs for Emirati nationals in nursing, medicine, medical administration, and support jobs at Careers UAE 2016. This was besides attractive packages that included competitive salaries, health insurance, plane tickets, and nature of work compensation for some posts.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com