Dubai Health Authority Launches Disaster Management Programme
The initiative will not only transform Dubai’s healthcare sector but also strengthen it
The Dubai Health Authority has launched the ‘Dubai Disaster Medicine Programme’ initiative to enhance healthcare readiness and revamp the industry’s landscape. This initiative aims to bolster the public health safety system for potential medical emergencies. It will not only give a new outlook to Dubai’s healthcare niche but also empower the healthcare industry.
The programme aims to increase the city’s medical response capacity during emergencies, crises, and disasters by adopting a unified and globally recognized approach that aligns with best practices. Although the region is not highly susceptible to natural disasters, the programme will instil a sense of confidence in the area. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance Dubai’s resilience index and cultivate a disaster and crisis management culture within the community.
The programme has been accredited by the European Centre for Disaster Medicine and the American College of Surgeons, among other accrediting bodies. Developed in collaboration with the UAE's Medical Preparedness and Response Programme, 'Jaheziya', the new programme also aims to standardise disaster medicine training and consolidate reliable information sources.
His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, has emphasised Dubai’s ambition to establish itself as a global leader in providing excellent healthcare. In a statement to an international organisation, His Excellency stated, “Dubai aims to maintain the highest levels of public health security through its state-of-the-art medical facilities, advanced technologies, smart solutions, and highly skilled workforce.” Al Ketbi also highlighted that the Dubai Healthcare Authority is committed to working diligently to ensure the sustainability of the city’s healthcare security.
According to Dr Khaled Abdullah Lootah, a Public Health Consultant and Head of the DHA’s Disaster Management Office, the programme aims to enhance the expertise of Dubai’s government and private hospitals, including medical and technical support staff and nursing personnel, in disaster medicine and crisis management. He noted that the Jaheziya programme was launched through a joint initiative by the Fakhr Al Watan Office and UAE Doctors to develop skills for the frontline defence team and enhance their preparedness to meet the highest international standards.
Dubai Healthcare Authority's leadership has vowed to enhance human resources in the healthcare sector, particularly in medical emergency response, disasters, and crises. The DHA has also noted its success in developing a large base of academically and practically trained and qualified medical professionals.