The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has unveiled a significant overhaul of the emirate's health security apparatus by establishing a dedicated Disaster and Crisis Management Office within its organizational structure.
The newly formed office is tasked with bolstering the health sector's preparedness, augmenting its capabilities, and ensuring its ability to effectively respond to any emergency situations. It will play a pivotal role in the development and management of emergency, crisis, and disaster systems, alongside other responsibilities aimed at fortifying community health security.
The announcement was made during the authority's participation in the International Conference and Exhibition for Relief and Development (Dihad) at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attended by leaders from various health institutions, scientists, doctors, and experts from both the UAE and abroad.
Capabilities
Dr. Khalid Abdullah Lootah, public health consultant and head of the Disaster Management Office, highlighted the robust support structure backing the newly established Disaster and Crisis Management Office. This includes an advanced Operations and Control Center equipped with state-of-the-art electronic and intelligent systems for managing disasters and crises. Additionally, the Dubai Disaster and Crisis Medicine Programme will serve as a crucial supporting component.
Launched recently with the aim of fortifying the emirate's prevention and health security system, this program has now attained international accreditation from both the European Centre for Disaster Medicine and the American College of Surgeons.
Over the next five years, the Dubai Disaster and Crisis Medicine Programme intends to train and enhance the skills of 10,000 government and private hospital leaders, medical, technical support, and nursing staff in Dubai.
Laying down strategies
Dr. Lootah elaborated on the array of specializations and responsibilities assumed by the new Crisis Management Office. These include elevating Dubai's standing and positioning it among global preparedness benchmarks, developing and overseeing the health emergency, crisis, and disaster management system, and enhancing the health sector's readiness for catastrophes and crises.
The office is also tasked with implementing preventive and proactive strategies and plans to mitigate disasters and emergencies, training and certifying specialists, and conducting scientific research and forecasting studies for future preparedness.
News Source: Khaleej Times
