The National Center of Health Research at MoHAP, Dubai, held a workshop with partners from health authorities and academic institutions, including an advisory team from SRI, USA.
Led by Dr. Salem Al Darmaki, the event focused on developing a national strategy for health research, assessing its current state, aligning with goals, and planning for future challenges and trends.
Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, emphasised that MoHAP is committed to continuously consult with its strategic partners from health and academic sectors.
“We firmly believe that teamwork and constructive dialogue are the way forward to develop an ambitious health research strategy, which would bring about significant outcomes that can help advance the national healthcare system to meet the latest international standards.”
Al Olama noted that the new health research strategy focuses on future research approaches and incorporates benchmark comparisons with leading countries in the field.
We are seeking to enhance effective health policies across a broad spectrum of critical health issues, from research targeting chronic diseases and epidemics to studies on technology applications and modern medical innovations.
For his part, Dr. Khalil Qayed, Director of the National Centre for Health Research at the Ministry, stated that the workshops discussing the Future Foresight Strategy of health research aimed to consolidate efforts and align perspectives across the UAE to foster and enhance the culture of health research.
We also seek to create a scientifically stimulating environment that upholds the highest international standards and bolsters the capabilities of scientists and researchers.
Dr. Qayed added that the Ministry, together with its partners from the health and academic sectors, operates within a cohesive and integrated framework not only to promote collaborative efforts, share experiences in research, and provide a nurturing environment for medical scientific research but also to devise sustainable solutions to health challenges in society.
“We will therefore extend all forms of support for existing health research centres and develop policies and research ethics guidelines.”
The Ministry of Health and Prevention has recently published a report on the state of health research in the UAE from 2017 to 2022. The report highlighted that the growth rate of health research in the UAE during the period surpassed the global average, with research outputs increasing by 25.2%. Furthermore, the report emphasized that 80% of the UAE's published health research was conducted in collaboration with international institutions, ranking it among the top in the GCC for joint health research endeavors.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
