The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) today launched the "Dubai Disaster Medicine Programme", an initiative aimed at enhancing the city's healthcare readiness and bolstering its public health safety system in preparation for potential medical emergencies.
The program, recently launched in Dubai, aims to enhance the city's medical response capacity during disasters and emergencies by adopting a unified and internationally accredited approach, accredited by entities such as the European Centre for Disaster Medicine and the American College of Surgeons. In collaboration with the UAE's 'Jaheziya,' the initiative seeks to standardize disaster medicine training, consolidate reliable information sources, and strengthen Dubai's overall resilience index while fostering a culture of crisis and disaster management within the community.
Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority, highlighted Dubai's goal to set global benchmarks in healthcare excellence.
“With its state-of-the-art medical facilities, advanced technologies, smart solutions, and highly skilled workforce, Dubai aims to maintain the highest levels of public health security.” Al Ketbi highlighted that DHA remains committed to working diligently to ensure the sustainability of the city's healthcare security.
Designed in response to global health challenges, which require strategies to rapidly and effectively manage crises and emergent health issues, the accredited programme aims to position Dubai as a destination that offers premium healthcare and a high standard of living.
Dr. Khaled Abdullah Lootah, a Public Health Consultant and Head of the Disaster Management Office at the DHA emphasised that the programme aims to further enhance expertise in the field of disaster medicine and crisis management among Dubai’s government and private hospitals, including medical and technical support staff and nursing personnel.
The disaster medicine and crisis management program in Dubai, launched with the participation of healthcare professionals, aims to transform professional practices and community safety protocols. The initiative has already begun training medical and administrative staff, with plans to train specialized professionals and hospital leaders, providing accredited certifications from esteemed bodies such as the European Centre for Disaster Medicine and the American College of Surgeons. Developed in collaboration with the Jaheziya program, it represents a significant advancement in building capacities and readiness for frontline healthcare workers in both government and private sectors, endorsed by leading specialized medical training centers.
He commended the DHA’s leadership for their efforts to enhance human resources in the healthcare sector, particularly in the areas of medical emergency response, disasters, and crises. He also noted their success in developing a large base of academically and practically trained and qualified medical professionals.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
