DUBAI - The Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, has announced the renaming of Al Baraha Hospital, Dubai to Al Kuwait Hospital, in the wake of the Ministerial Decree No. 16 of 2019. Under this decree, the name of "Al Baraha Hospital" will be replaced with "Al Kuwait Hospital" wherever mentioned in any federal legislation or official correspondences.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, said, "The renaming of Al Baraha Hospital to Al Kuwait Hospital came in accordance with directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in recognition of the hospital’s historic role since Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum opened it in 1966, in the presence of Sheikh Sabah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. Since that time, the hospital is delivering outstanding healthcare services for inhabitants of Dubai and its surroundings, in addition to providing treatment and medications."

The Minister of Health added that Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum had a future vision in terms of the planning for enhancing social and health level of Dubai and UAE's citizens. He was also keen on providing an adequate healthcare and securing medications, and that the hospital should be fully-equipped with the latest medical devices and qualified personnel. That was part of Sheikh Rashid’s keenness on the success of every project for the benefit of the country and happiness of society.

He further pointed out that Al Kuwait Hospital, Dubai reflects the story of the development of an entire society, and connects memories of the past with our present towards the exploration of healthcare future, which the country’s leadership set as a priority within the National Agenda 2021. This will contribute to achieving a global health system, with an aim of acquiring the best healthcare quality standards in the world based on the best international practices. The country’s leadership is keen on providing the greatest potential and resources in order to make UAE one of the best countries in healthcare quality in accordance with the UAE Centennial 2071.

Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, said, "The renaming of the hospital to Al Kuwait Hospital is to express gratitude for the impactful role of the hospital in delivering health and therapeutic services at the founding stage. The hospital is also considered a model of providing treatment for patients and the birth of thousands of generations. It saw a rapid development due to the strenuous efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid until he managed to acquire the accreditation of the Joint Commission International, JCI, in February 2015, following lots of improvements and adopting the international standards and specifications, to keep pace with the international requirements carried out by the prestigious healthcare facilities." Al Olama noted that MoHAP’s strategy aims at providing comprehensive, innovative and fair healthcare services as per international standards, and performing its role as a regulator and supervisor of the healthcare sector through a modern and integrated health legislative system.

"The fourth edition of MoHAP’s strategy 2017 – 2021 aims to achieve 6 strategic objectives focusing on providing a comprehensive and integrated healthcare, developing the health information system, building health quality and safety systems, providing a dynamic legislative framework, offering distinguished administrative services and consolidating culture of innovation," he added.

Youssif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Ministry’s Hospitals Sector, said that Al Kuwait Hospital in Dubai has achieved a rapid growth since its inauguration to be a value added to the country’s healthcare system and met MoHAP’s aspirations of supporting health sector with the most efficient new facilities, in addition to delivering a satisfactory experience that exceeds expectations.

This hospital is a living witness to MoHAP’s commitment to providing advanced health services. This will contribute to raising the strategic indicator of the national agenda on healthcare quality and exploration of health services future.

"The hospital’s attainment of the international accreditation contributes to improving work procedures and its efficiency through doubling the outcomes and reducing the costs, thus facilitating patients’ access to the appointments and health services and effectively participating in the therapeutic process," added Al Serkal.

The hospital’s operational clinical capacity is 154 beds. Around 72,922 visitors come to the hospital annually, including 45,416 visitors to outpatient clinics and 27,506 visitors to Accident and Emergency Department.

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2019.