Abu Dhabi, Jan. 26, 2008 (WAM) -- A number of senior UAE officials have lauded the "Generous Hands" initiative, launched here recently under the auspices of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

Deputy prime minister and chairman of the UAE Red Crescent Authority, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will shoulder the cost of implementing the initiative, which aims at alleviating the sufferings of sick and poor people worldwide.

The initiative, a first of its kind in the world, will offer worldwide a special medical treatment programme for the sick, who can not afford to pay for their medical treatment.

The "Generous Hands" initiative is the third social development programme to be launched under the directives of the late UAE founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with the aim of boosting humanitarian and voluntary works in the Arab and Islamic nations.

A number of officials have said that the initiative reflects the deep commitment of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the follow-up of UAE vice president and prime minister and ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and in implementation of the vision of Abu Dhabi crown prince and deputy supreme commander of the UAE armed forces, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, adding that it aims at boosting voluntary and humanitarian works in social services and development to help alleviate the sufferings of the sick worldwide, who can not afford to pay for medical treatment.

They expressed their strong determination to contribute proactively toward this cause and the success of the programme.

Commenting on the initiative, the minister of health, Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qattami, said the "Generous Hands" initiative will, to a great extent, help alleviate the sufferings of the sick, worldwide, particularly those from the poor and deprived segment of the society, adding that the initiative, which is being launched under the auspices of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union, came to crown the noble objectives which Shaikha Fatima has always been working hard to achieve both locally and internationally.

He pointed out that for Deputy prime minister and chairman of the UAE Red Crescent Authority, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to shoulder the cost of this programme reflects his deep commitment to reaching out to the sick and poor worldwide. It also reflects his deep belief in humanitarian and voluntary work.

Dubai Police Chief, Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, said it is no new news to see the UAE launch such a humanitarian initiative under the auspices of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, who he described as very generous. He also praised Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for sponsoring the programme.

He noted that Sheikh Hamdan is always concerned about how best to reach out to the poor and the needy worldwide. He said Sheikh Hamdan has been directing his outfit, the UAE Red Crescent Authority, to implement humanitarian and charity programmes in various parts of the world, with great emphasis on the sick and poor, adding that the new initiative is a continuation of the generous and humanitarian policy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, which is being pursued by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"The initiative has really made me happy. I really feel great when I heard about it," he said. "In fact, we are really proud of belonging to the United Arab Emirates, which is popular for its numerous humanitarian initiatives aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the sick and poor. We pray to Allah to greatly reward the Mother of the Nation and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan," he added.

The chairman of the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazroue, who expressed his outfit's full support for the new initiative, said they are fully ready to respond positively to any request the programme demand from him and his outfit. He added that the Abu Dhabi Health Authority (ADHA) has competent medical doctors in all areas of specialisation and they will be honoured to proactively participate in the successful implementation of the programme.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.