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Al Qatami: DHA is committed to provide a climate that promotes creativity and innovation.
Healthcare leaders highlight that it is important to provide investment support for innovations and innovators.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: His Excellency Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority inaugurated yesterday the Health Innovation Village which is set up at Kite Beach in Dubai.
The Village will hold week-long activities, in line with UAE Innovation Week 2015, which will take place until November 28.
As part of the activities, a discussion was held yesterday about innovation in healthcare that was attended by DHA employees and members of the public.
Speakers were Al Qatami, HE Dr Nasser Khalifa Al Budoor, undersecretary at the Ministry of Health and director of Dubai Medical District and Dr Ali Hilal Al Naqbi, professor at UAE University and inventor of the bio-artificial liver with three compartments. The session was moderated by Dr Khalifa Al Suwaidi, professor at UAE University and TV presenter at Abu Dhabi TV.
Al Qatami highlighted the importance of creating an environment that is conducive to innovation. He said, "Over the years, we have seen advances in medicine which have directly contributed to better patient outcomes. Health is a sector that directly affects us all and innovation in healthcare can save lives, improve patient outcomes, promote health and well-being and therefore it is so important. Our aim is to promote an atmosphere that is conducive to innovation, not just for medical treatment but in technology, healthcare management, pharmaceuticals, medical devices etc. so that all aspects of the health sector develop and thrive. We have the complete support of our leaders and we are keen to provide innovators with investment support as well, so that they have support and encouragement to innovate."
Al Budoor said that creating an environment that promotes innovation is key and that population growth, increased life expectancy, prevalence of lifestyle diseases are factors that require healthcare organizations to focus on innovation strategies to provide quality care and to develop new advances in healthcare.
Dr Al Naqbi who has patented his invention - the bio artificial liver with three components-also seconded this opinion and said: "Innovation in healthcare directly leads to better patient outcomes. The bio-artificial liver that I have invented will go into trial phase shortly. Once it will be available, it will work as a bridge for patients who are on the waiting list to receive a liver transplant. This will work as a short term stop-gap option until they receive the transplant."
Dr Al Naqbi said from the initial concept to completion, it took him five years. "Innovation requires time and dedication but if it saves lives, it is worth all the effort."
The public can join the DHA at the DHA Health Innovation Village which is located on Kite Beach.
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About the Dubai Health Authority:
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance is the President of the DHA and His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami is the Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the DHA.
The DHA's aim in Dubai is to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life within the Emirate. This is a direct translation of the objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Keeping the strategic plan in mind, the DHA's mission is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative health sector.
In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including hospitals (Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta), specialty centres (e.g. the Dubai Diabetes Center) and DHA primary health centres spread throughout the Emirate of Dubai.
The main pillars of service delivery at DHA health facilities are quality, efficiency, patients and staff. It is our aim to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of DHA health services. An important aspect of the service delivery strategy is to focus on patients, their needs and satisfaction as well as attract, retain, nurture and support outstanding staff.
Prior to the establishment of the DHA, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), which was established in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.
© Press Release 2015
