Abu Dhabi, Jun 05th, 2012 (WAM)--The Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) has launched a workshop to discuss the result of the premarital screening and counseling programme with health facilities manager and doctors.
This feedback workshop comes to reflect the transparency strategy Abu Dhabi Health authority to insure better quality of care delivered to the community. The premarital medical examination is compulsory for couples who plan to get married in the UAE. Premarital Screening and Counseling for the most prevalent infectious diseases and common genetic disorders paves the way for a healthy reproductive life for couples. This is also an opportunity to meet with a physician who can address any other health concerns before your marriage. The statistics from HAAD shows a very positive feedback about the programme. The total number screened since the start of the premarital screening programme in April 2011 until end of December 2011 was 10476. 90% of customers gave the premarital screening programme excellent score in terms of satisfaction of the overall programme. The main aim behind the programme is to inform people about their health situation to minimise risks of transmission of major infectious diseases and congenital anomalies. This will also decrease the financial, physical and psychological burden that comes with it. Dr. Farida Al Hosani manager of Communicable Disease Department said: "that the programme of premarital screening and counseling has not only informed the public about their health situation, however, it also gives the Authority the chance to improve people health and life. The programme helped a lot in collecting good information about the public health which as a result will help in planning for better solutions and contributes to the development of the health sector in general to meet the needs of the community." Dr. Farida Al Hosani also added "that the number of the health care facilities that are available to do the screening has increased to 14."Some statistics compiled by the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi show that 41 per cent of people are in good health. However the rest of percentage covers people who are overweight or obese. As a result the programme of premarital screening and counseling was established accordingly to fix people health problems so as to cure them after getting married. The statistics also shows that 193 applicants are beta thalassemia carriers and 118 cases were sickle trait. This highlights the importance of tests before marriage to educate couples and instruct them according to medical history and family of both parties. Dr. Farida Al Hosni also confirmed that the Authority strives to develop the programme to contribute to the implementation of strategies to raise the level of the health sector and provide better service in health care.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2012.
