UAE, August 5, 2017 – In adherence with the declaration of 2017 as the Year of Giving by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP) launched the Al Kheir Clinic at the Muhaisnah Health Center in Mirdif City Centre. The new clinic was launched in cooperation with Dar Al-Bar Association and MOHAP Strategic partners
The mobile clinics were inaugurated by His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Hussein Abdulrahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centres and Clinics, MOHAP, in the presence of H.E. Nasser Al Badoor, Assistant Undersecretary, MOHAP and Director of Dubai Healthcare City, several medical professionals, media personalities and social media influencers endorsing and supporting the UAE Anti-Smoking campaign.
The clinic aims to provide all smoking cessation services to all citizens, smokers and non-smokers alike, especially those wishing to quit smoking. Services include the dissemination of pamphlets and leaflets on the effects of smoking—further motivating smokers to quit, as well as providing them with key medical advice. The clinic offered free medical tests such as blood pressure measurement, body mass and concentration of carbon monoxide and advising patients on appropriate treatments based on the latest scientific methods.
This initiative falls under the vision of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE to declare 2017 as the ‘Year of Giving,’ and complements the Ministry’s move to adopt initiatives that are aimed to play a key role in the efforts to reduce and curb smoking to protect public health from the serious risks that it can cause. These efforts play a significant part in the promotion of health and the further prevention of tobacco-induced diseases. We urge everyone, smokers in particular, to visit these free mobile clinics and take of advantage of the free services being offered.
Al-Amal Hospital for Psychiatry and Addiction treatment provides employees at its hospitals headquarters, with consulting and diagnostic services, in cooperation with its partners. The hospital has also developed year-long treatment plans at many of the Ministry’s hospitals. In addition, a number of administrators, doctors, nurses and pharmacists have volunteered to work at charity clinics, outside of their official working hours.
The clinic provides screenings for employees, including blood, cholesterol and diabetes tests, in addition to organizing health awareness campaigns. Employees are also referred to nutrition clinics. Private medical companies were contracted to provide the clinic with the necessary equipment, while the medical team provides counseling to reduce the number of cases of depression and insomnia. Some patients are referred to specialized clinics for heart, bone and diabetes tests.
Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Zarooni, Director of Al Amal Hospital, noted that the move supports Al-Amal’s commitment towards supporting the Year of Giving, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and charitable values, Al Zarooni also noted that the Al-Amal hospital has provided many health and diagnostic services for number of workers. Moreover, a number of hospital medical staff volunteered to work at charity clinics outside of official working hours, to support its humanitarian efforts.
A team from the Amal Hospital for Mental Health visited the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children’s Care, to provide medical and psychological counseling to woman and children of all age groups. The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children cares for women who have been victims of domestic violence, abused children, and victims of trafficking. Victims are offered immediate protection and support services.
Al Kheir services include a range of comprehensive medical tests, examinations and psychometric evaluations to identify disorders such as anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), behavioral problems in children and adults, and other psychological disorders that require therapy and support.
Dubai Foundation for Woman and Children presented Al-Amal Hospital with a certificate of appreciation, and in recognition of their efforts to provide free assessments to patients of the foundation.
Al-Amal Hospital also organized an awareness campaign in cooperation with Dubai Police’s Department of Community Happiness, through which they educate 30 students from different public and private schools about mental disorders, and the dangers of addition to psychotropic substances. Students were also able to take part in recreational activities at the hospital, including handicrafts, art, yoga, dance and others.
Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi, Deputy Director Al-Amal Hospital noted that organizing awareness programs and providing free medical examinations supports the Year of Giving initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to consolidate the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism. This supports the national policy for mental health, and efforts aimed at raising awareness among the youth, while reducing the negative perception towards psychological patients, to help better re-integrate them into society.
