UAE to Build Global Network of Hospitals to Address Healthcare Disparities

The UAE has unveiled a groundbreaking programme under the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative, aimed at addressing critical healthcare disparities worldwide.

Announced by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in March, the initiative will see a substantial investment of approximately US$150 million (AED550 million) over the next decade. This UAE Global Hospitals Programme will oversee the construction of up to 10 hospitals tailored to meet the specific healthcare needs of underserved communities.

The first facility, the UAE-Indonesia Hospital for Cardiac Diseases in Surakarta, Central Java, is set to be inaugurated in late 2024. This hospital will provide essential services to thousands of heart disease patients, marking a significant milestone in the programme managed by the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council.

The initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to global health equity and sustainable development. H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chair of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, emphasized,

“We are honoured to reinforce our dedication to the UAE’s enduring mission of improving global health. Over the coming decade, this initiative will drive meaningful change, embodying our commitment to assisting the underserved and enhancing the wellbeing and dignity of communities worldwide."

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State and Chair of the International Health Advisory Committee, highlighted the programme’s impact, stating,

"The hospitals established through this initiative will bolster healthcare systems, equipping them to bridge crucial health access gaps effectively."

Heart diseases, a leading cause of death in Indonesia, underscore the urgent need for such specialised facilities. This new hospital aims to improve healthcare access and alleviate the overall disease burden.

Continuing the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE remains a global leader in philanthropy, having contributed over $87 billion (AED320 billion) in foreign assistance since its founding.

News Source: Emirates News Agency