UAE vows to support nations in improving healthcare

Abu Dhabi - In line with these efforts, the country has also embraced the use of advanced technology in healthcare.

The UAE's plans and visions - as well as achievements?- in the healthcare sector are not only for the seven emirates but also for the world, top officials have said during the opening day of the seventh session of the Islamic Conference of Health Ministers held in Abu Dhabi.
"We in the UAE are always supporting other countries. During this conference, we will give nations the opportunity to benefit from the UAE's experience in healthcare and prevention. We would like all the member-states of the OIC to benefit from the UAE's strategic objectives and initiatives and improve the quality of life for its people," Dr Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, assistant undersecretary at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap), told Khaleej Times at the event. He was representing the UAE on behalf of Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.
Set to run until Tuesday, the event themed 'Quality of Life' is hosted by Mohap in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Dr Al Rand said the UAE's leadership has always focused on healthcare and prevention for the country to thrive. He pointed out that earlier this year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, adopted the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, which aims to make the UAE a world leader in quality of life.
In line with these efforts, the country has also embraced the use of advanced technology in healthcare.
"We at the ministry have started using artificial intelligence. We are going to concentrate more and more on applying artificial intelligence and advanced technology in prevention and diagnosis," Dr Al Rand said.
The official also praised the visionary move to declare 2020 as the year of preparations for the next five decades.
"Next year is '2020: Towards the next 50'. We should all work together to raise our health standards and even exceed international levels. We at the ministry will concentrate on the prevention of diseases and improving quality of life. We want people to live longer and be happy in the UAE."
Ministers and officials held a close-door meeting to adopt the draft agenda and programme for the session.
Today, the health ministers of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other countries are set to deliver keynote speeches. Then, sessions will be held on the adoption of the draft agenda and programme to be followed by panel discussion on Universal Health Coverage. The conference runs till Tuesday.
Key points of discussion over next two days
Health ministers and experts are set to discuss priority health issues for Islamic societies; exchange experiences between countries; showcase best practices in various health-related sectors; highlight conditions of health and mechanisms for achieving more Islamic work projects pertaining to prevention, healthcare and quality of life; and prepare effective recommendations to improve healthcare in the OIC member-states.
The conference will also shed light on the establishment of the OIC Excellence Centre for the production of vaccines and biotechnology products, the operation of the OIC Medical Authority, the OIC Health Portal, and polio eradication, and the regulation of medicines.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi