UAE, April 13, 2016 – H.E. Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, the UAE Minister of Health and Prevention, met with H.E. Jo Vandeurzen, the Flemish Minister for Welfare, Public Health and Family, at the Ministry’s Office in Dubai to explore bilateral opportunities for cooperation in healthcare including exchange of expertise in the areas of continuing medical education, best medical practices, health information technology, and health communication strategies.
The Undersecretary H.E. Dr Mohammad Salim Al Olama, the Assistant Undersecretary for Hospitals Sector H.E. Dr Yousif Al Serkal, and the Belgian Ambassador to UAE, H.E. Dominique Minor were also present at the session.
The two parties explored possibilities of building alliances in the healthcare sector to improve the quality of services provided in the hospitals and health centers. They also discussed developing state-of-the-art research centers and medical laboratories with cutting-edge equipment and technology as well as embarking on physician exchange programs.
H.E. Al Owais said that the meeting reflected the dynamic relations between the two countries and the mutual interest in improving their corresponding health systems, enhancing the healthcare services, and integrating ‘Smart’ services in the healthcare processes for improving customer satisfaction. The meeting facilitated discussions on latest developments in medical facilities, success stories in redesigning university education in accordance with the contemporary requirements of the medical profession, and the ongoing efforts to establish research and scientific laboratories.
The Belgian Minister praised UAE’s accomplishments in updating health legislation and medical infrastructure as well as its efforts in upgrading the competencies of health professionals. He expressed his country’s desire to sustain the excellent relations with UAE and explore opportunities for exchange of knowledge and expertise. He added that Belgium is looking forward to initiating joint scientific research programs, reciprocal participation in scientific and technical conferences, and reinforcing medical tourism programs with UAE.
