SPECIAL REPORT
Over Four Decades of World Class
Health CARE
SPECIAL REPORT
For a healthier tomorrow
APRIL 18, 2013
Editorial Executive Editor Patrick Michael Supplements Editor Suchitra Steven Samuel Sub-editor Sadiq Shaban ReportERS Farhana Chowdhury Suneeti Ahuja-Kohli
PRODUCTION Designers Mohammad Ejaz Khan Sidharthan Imaging Venugopal Prabhu
ADVERTISING Director Advertising Haroon Qureshi
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai during the inauguration of Al Mizhar Health Centre
Senior Advertising Manager (Supplements) Philip Smith
Dubai Head Office: P.O. Box 11243 Tel: +971 4 3383535 Fax: +971 4 3383345/46 E-mail: supplements@khaleejtimes.com Abu Dhabi: P.O. Box 3082 Tel: +971 2 6337666 Fax: +971 2 6351122 E-mail: ktimesad@eim.ae Bahrain: Universal Enterprises P.O. Box 1062 Manama Tel: +973-17290303 Fax: +973-17293818 Oman-Muscat: United Media Services SAOC P.O. Box 3305 Ruwi Postal Code 112 Tel: +968 24700896 Fax: +968 24706512 E-mail: alpana@umsoman.com India: Mediascope Publicitas, 51 Doli Chamber Colaba, Mumbai 400005 Tel: +91 22 613 77400 Fax: +91 22 22875718 E-mail: representations@publicitas.com Pakistan: Millennium Media, Karachi Tel: +92-21-5480795 Fax: +92-21-5870242 Email: tauqeermuhajir@gmail.com England: 47, Great Cumberland Place, London W1H 7 LH Tel: +44 20 7723 5083 Fax: +44 20 7706 4157 A Publication of Galadari Printing & Publishing L.L.C.
4
The Dubai Health Authority provides an integrated healthcare system which is accessible and effective
I
nitially, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), which was created in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery. The DHA was created in June 2007 by Law 13 issued by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. His Highness Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance is the President of the Dubai Health Au-
Khaleej Times Special Report APRIL 18, 2013
thority. His Excellency Engineer Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor is the Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority. The DHA’s aim in Dubai is to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life within the Emirate. This is a direct translation of the objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Keeping the strategic plan in mind, the DHA’s mission is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative
health sector. In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including hospitals (Latifa, Dubai and Rashid), speciality centres (e.g. the Dubai Diabetes Center) and DHA primary health centres spread throughout Dubai. The main pillars of service delivery at DHA health facilities are quality, efficiency, patients and staff. It is our aim to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of DHA health services. An important aspect of the service delivery strategy is to focus on patients, their needs and satisfaction as well as attract, retain, nurture and support outstanding staff.
His Highness Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and His Highness Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai at the opening of Al Mizhar Health Centre
Your Health‌ Our Future The clear vision of the leaders has paved way for a better healthcare system in the emirates The DHA is working at all levels from health policy to community awareness with an aim to provide our population with high quality healthcare services
I
mproving the health and well-being of the people of Dubai and providing residents as well as visitors with access to high quality healthcare is a priority for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Over the last few years, Dubai has seen a phenomenal growth in the health sector and this has been possible due to the vision of our leader, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has given significant importance to the health sector in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015. Keeping HH’s vision in mind, and in line with the objectives of the Dubai Health
Sector Strategy 2011-2013, the DHA is working at all levels from health policy to community awareness with an aim to provide our population with high quality healthcare services. Better health, access, quality and efficiency are central themes of the DHA to ensure we fulfil our objectives. We are following a multidisciplinary approach and are taking a microscopic look into various channels of health and healthcare including service delivery, regulation, medical education, training and funding, to ensure holistic development of the sector, so as to benefit every community member in the emirate. Khaleej Times Special Report APRIL 18, 2013
His Excellency Engineer Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor Director-General Dubai Health Authority
5
Safe health before boarding DHA’s specialised traveller’s clinic ensures frequent flyers a stress-free trip Farhana Chowdhury
W
ho doesn’t love a good vacation? There are many of us who love to hop aboard a plane and jet off on an adventure in another part of the world. The experience of landing in a completely different location within a span of a few hours is ineffable. The change of scenery is refreshing, and discovering native surroundings is usually first on a traveller’s list of things to do. However, most of the time, we tend to forget to take basic precautions such as in the case of healthcare. Unforeseen events can sometimes turn a dreamy vacation into a terrible nightmare. It is essential to be aware of what medical assistance is available when travelling to a particular destination. To help, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) set up a specialised clinic based in Al Mankhool Health Centre in Bur Dubai dedicated to providing vital information to every traveller. Besides awareness, the clinic also offers vaccines required to maintain good health during the trip. This is especially useful as not all travellers take note of the ongoing diseases that affect various regions at a certain time. Dr Fatma Al Attar, Head of the Traveller’s Clinic and Preventive Services Centre, said: “Many travel-related health problems can be avoided if only we take care. They include environmental, food and water-borne health risks, jet lag, motion sickness and deep vein thrombosis.” The clinic evaluates a travellers’ health and notifies them of the current medical situation of the destination they plan to visit. She advised holi-
6
daymakers to visit the clinic four to six weeks in advance so they can have enough time to draw up a detailed health plan. “We are guided by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention which provides the latest health information for travel to over 200 destinations,” she said. According to Specialist Registrar and Deputy Head of the Traveller’s Clinic Dr Nahed Al Yousuf, those heading to Afri-
can and South American countries must receive yellow fever vaccines, while travellers journeying to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah must be vaccinated to avoid meningitis. The specialised clinic also gives tips to protect oneself against diseases such as the infectious dengue and common traveller’s diarrhoea. Dr Fatma further added: “Our country is free from diseases like malaria and polio, so our aim is to keep the com-
munity safe.” Emiratis have free access to the clinic’s consultation services while non-Emirati Enaya insurance holders are entitled to a Dh20 registration fee. Other residents are required to pay Dh150 for consultation and an additional cost for the vaccines, which range between Dh50 and Dh200. A second branch of the Traveller’s Clinic is expected to open in Al Barsha soon. — farhana@khaleejtimes.com
Essential vaccines when visiting certain destinations 1. Cholera vaccine
Two doses every two years Destination: Central and North Africa
2. Hepatitis A vaccine
countries in Africa and South America
8. Hepatitis B vaccine
Two doses every 20 years Destination: All countries except Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Canada
Three doses every 20 years Required for kids and adolescents through 18 years who were not vaccinated earlier; all unvaccinated adults at risk of HBV infection
9. Anti-rabies vaccine 3. Japanese Encephelitis vaccine 28 days (primary, pre- and post-
exposure) Destination: For those who may be exposed to wild or domestic animals except countries listed as rabies-free
Three doses every two years Destination: India, some other countries in Asia and Western Pacific
4. Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine
One dose every three years Destination: Saudi Arabia when travelling for Hajj or Umrah. Seasonal and geographic location mandates
5. Influenza vaccine
One dose annually, two weeks before departure Destination: Most countries
6. Typhoid fever vaccine
One dose every three years Destination: When staying in areas with poor sanitation
7. Yellow fever vaccine
One dose every 10 years Destination: Mandatory for some
Khaleej Times Special Report APRIL 18, 2013
10. Other vaccines
Take as necessary for travel Includes MMR, polio and diphtheria/ tetanus (check if completed or need booster)
11. Malaria Prophylaxis
Take as necessary for travel Destination: Anti-malaria medications recommended if travelling to countries like Africa, Asia, South and Central America
Bringing home the best Snoezelen room at the Community Centre for the Elderly is the first of its kind in the region
T
he newly developed Snoe- tion as well as cognitive impairzelen room at the Com- ment. The concept of Snoezelen munity Centre for the Elderly is now operational and (pronounced SNOO-zuh-len) was inaugurated by Dr Ahmad was introduced by two Dutch bin Kalban, CEO of Primary therapists in the 1970s, and is Dr Ahmad bin Kalban, CEO of Primary Healthcare Centre, Healthcare at the Dubai Health being used throughout Europe. inaugurating the Snoezelen room in presence of Dr Salwa Al They called this multi-sensory Suwaidi, Geriatrician and Director of the Community Centre for Authority. The room is specially de- experience “Snoezelen,” a con- the Elderly. Abdulla Al Suwaidi an outpatient at the centre tries out signed to provide multi-senso- traction of the Dutch words “to the hydrotherapy bed, which is an eminent feature of the room ry stimulation for residents and explore and relax.” The room is used throughout elderly visitors at the centre who are coping with various the world to help autistic chil- elderly patients as well. of-its-kind in the Middle East conditions including poor dren and adults, and in recent This room designed for the for treating elderly patients. memory, irritability and agita- years it has been known to aid Community Centre is the firstKalban said: “Our aim is to
Dr Wafa Gynaecology and Fertility Centre try and bring the latest advanced treatment methods to the emirates and establishing this room reaffirms our commitment to provide the latest high-quality medical services to our population. The room was developed keeping all the latest techniques in mind and will be beneficial for the treatment of elderly patients at our centre.” Dr Salwa Al Suwaidi, geriatrician and director of the centre said: “The Snoezelen room incorporates equipment meant to stimulate visual, tactile, auditory, and olfactory systems. The room incorporates soothing music, aromatherapy and different lighting options. The highlight of the room is a hydrotherapy massage bed, which has been highly appreciated
by the elderly patients. The bed provides head-to-toe massage and at the same time our reflexologist provides hand and foot therapy.” Al Suwaidi added that recent studies have shown that the use of this room helps relax patients to an extent where they can cut down on the calming medicines they are dependent on. “If we can achieve this, then I would consider it to be a significant positive development. It’s a new technique and we are glad that the elderly patients have appreciated and accepted it.” The Elderly Centre was established in 1993 and presently it has 30 inpatients and it hosts another 50 persons for medical treatment and temporary residence.
Bringing bundles of joy Dreams of parenthood is now a reality thanks to science and medicine Dr Wafa Gynaecology and Fertility Centre provides state of art facilities and professional team focused on treating all spectrums of fertility cases for women and men, with high success rate. Its centre does not only provide treatment for fertility but encompasses all modern and advanced surgical techniques by the use of key–hole surgery and laser (hysteroscopy/laparoscopy). It also offers Pre-
MEDICLINIC WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY ON IT’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY.
MEDICLINIC MIDDLE EAST OPERATES: • Mediclinic Welcare Hospital • Mediclinic City Hospital • Mediclinic Dubai Mall • Mediclinic Ibn Battuta • Mediclinic Arabian Ranches • Mediclinic Meadows • Mediclinic Al Qusais • Mediclinic Mirdif • Mediclinic Beach Road • Mediclinic Al Sufouh.
EXPERTISE YOU CAN TRUST. UAE • SOUTH AFRICA • NAMIBIA • SWITZERLAND www.mediclinic.ae
Implantation Diagnosis (PGD) services to test embryos for genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities prior to their transfer to the uterus. PGD makes it possible for couples with serious inherited disorders (Down syndrome, Thalassemia, Cystic Fibrosis, etc.) to decrease the risk of having an affected child. In order to fulfill its commitment to holistic care and serve the diverse needs of its patients, all these services are carried out in discretion with high quality of care: l Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) — Pre-Implantation Diagnosis (PGD) lHysteroscopic/Laparoscopic surgeries — Advertiser's content
Proaction is care
T
he Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has announced the launch of its campaign known as ‘Clean your medicine cabinet’, to ensure safe disposal of expired medication. DHA pharmacies located across 16 DHA primary healthcare centres and its hospitals — Dubai, Rashid, Latifa and Hatta — will accept expired or unutilised or expired medication which is dropped-off at the pharmacy by the public. Expired medication will be disposed of in line with international pharmaceutical safety guidelines. Unutilised medication will first be re-evaluated by experts within the pharmacy department and DHA will donate valid medication to charities. HE Khalid Al Sheikh Mubarak, Deputy Director-General of the DHA, said: “The campaign is to ensure people do not
store expired medication as it is a safety hazard. Our aim is to ensure correct method of disposal, which is returning the expired or unutilised medication to pharmacies.” Residents can return these medications to DHA pharmacies located across Dubai at no cost. This programme was first introduced in June 2012. Expired medication can pose serious health risks to individuals, if not disposed of properly. Instead of flushing down your medication, which is harmful for the environment and pollutes the water, outdated medications should be returned to pharmacies, to ensure a safe disposal.” In terms of ensuring safety of medicines that are stored at home, he said that medicines should be checked regularly to ensure the medicine box does not have expired medication.
Mind your medicines Safety tips on storage of ◗◗ Keep purses and bags that medication ◗◗ Keep an updated list of all medicines at home. ◗◗ Ensure that medications are out of reach of children and pets. This is especially true for medications that look like water or soft drinks. ◗◗ Never tell your children medicines taste like candy, sweets etc. Let them know from a young age that medications are only consumed to recover from an illness. ◗◗ Always store medicines and vitamins in a locked location — out of reach and sight of children. ◗◗ Resist the temptation to keep them in a purse or briefcase, or in an unlocked cabinet or a drawer that is within your child’s reach. ◗◗ Set a daily alarm so that you take your medicines regularly. ◗◗ It is advisable to take your medicines at the same time daily.
◗◗
◗◗
◗◗
◗◗
contain medicines at a height so that it is out of reach of children and pets. Read proper storage instructions for all medications. Some medications need to be kept in the refrigerator. Check to see medications that need refrigeration are stored in an area where they will not freeze. You should store them in a box or container that sets them apart from your food section. And ensure this is out of your children’s reach. The kitchen and bathroom are avoidable places to store medicine because of the heat and moisture it generates. Store all medicines in one designated location together. The location should be a dry and cool place. Do not share medications prescribed to you with others. Your medicine is only suitable for you.
mobilityislife.com The Hill-Rom “mobility is life� Concept Hill-Rom is committed to the concept that mobilizing patients early and supporting their independence improves life – in the hospital and at home.
mobilityislife.com Learn more online.
Flash this code or go to the webpage below to see the video and more !
mobilityislife.com
mobilityislife.com For more information, contact your Hill-Rom representative today.
EEMEA@hill-rom.com
New facilities Dubai Health Authority offers donors convenient blood donation sites
T
Those interested to donate blood can contact the Blood Donation Centre at the following address: Dubai Blood Donation Centre, Latifa Hospital, Oud Metha Road, Dubai Health Authority, P.O.Box 9115. Tel: +971 4 219 3221, +971 4 219 3768, +971 4 219 3000 Email: DBDC@dha.gov.ae
12
he DHA recently inaugurated a blood donation site at General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs. This is in addition to the Dubai Blood Donation Centre located at Latifa Hospital. His Excellency Engineer Essa Al Maidoor, Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority and His Excellency Major-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director of the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, inaugurated the new blood donation site. The new blood donation site can accommodate more than 20 donors per day and is in line with the authority’s expansion plans for blood collection within the emirates. HE Eng. Al Maidoor said: “The development of this site reflects the collaboration between two government entities. We appreciate the support provided by the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai for implementation of this humanitarian project. “This blood donation site will assist in further raising the number of blood units collected on daily basis which is needed to serve the members of our community, especially patients with thalassemia, who require regular blood transfusions; patients who are undergoing open-heart surgery or any other surgical procedure and accident victims. We believe this site will be an active one, given the large volume of people that visit the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs on Khaleej Times Special Report APRIL 18, 2013
a daily basis.” HE Eng. Al Maidoor added that the authority also plans to have three more blood collection sites shortly. The sites will be located in Al Mankhool, Nad Al Hamar, and Dubai Hospital. The new sites will operate from existing primary health care centres and/or hospitals under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). He said that the authority has hired 13 nurses and technicians to serve the all the upcoming blood donation site. He said that DHA’s plans to expand blood donation collection sites is in line with the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, in order to reach out to a large number of donors and to provide them with convenient options for blood donation. Major-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director of the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai emphasised on the need to educate employees and customers about the importance of regular health screening and blood donation, which is a humanitarian gesture and helps save lives. “We are keen to be a part of humanitarian initiatives that highlight our social values and are aimed towards the benefit of our community members.” Dr Laila Al Shaer, Director of the Dubai Blood Donation Centre (DBDC), said: “The blood donation site will be open from 9am to 4pm and the
staff will cater to 20 donors per day. We may extend the hours depending on the feedback of the community. We believe that such blood collection sites will be convenient for people living in the vicinity and for people who visit the GDRFA centre.” She added that the blood donation site has a separate male and female room for blood collection and each room has two beds. “The staff on site will only collect blood and the collected blood will be sent to the main centre which is located in the premises of Latifa Hospital, twice a day, for checking, processing and storage,” she said. Al Shaer added: “We have completed the process of staffing and installing the latest equipment at the blood collection site. Everything is in line as per international standards and next year we will seek international accreditation for this blood donation site since our main centre is internationally accredited.” Al Shaer highlighted that the Dubai Blood Donation Centre(DBDC) is the only and central blood donation centre for Dubai. It supplies blood and blood products to all private and governmental hospitals in Dubai; this includes over 27 private and government hospitals in Dubai. The DBDC blood collects 50 per cent of the total blood collected in the UAE. Of this 45 per cent of the blood is used for thalassemia patients, who require regular blood transfusions, and 27 per cent is used for trauma patients.
Chiropractic Dubai
Pain-free active life A natural, non-invasive alternative for spinal problems
A
t Chiropractic Dubai, its doctors treat patients suffering from back pain, neck pain, disc herniation, scoliosis, any many other spinal and joint problems everyday. Some can barely walk when they first come to the clinic. A lot have been suffering with pain for months, sometimes years before finding out that they can have Chiropractic treatment and start feeling better within one to two weeks. Chiropractic is a natural, non-invasive, relatively pain free treatment involving the doctor using their hands to make spinal and joint adjustments. It has had patients who were told they needed back surgery but later came to find that, after a course of chiropractic and physiotherapy, they didnĂt need to resort to surgery after all. Chiropractic and physiotherapy rehabilitation can speed the recovery of post-surgical patients as well. It also treats some patients using Non-surgical Spinal Decompression, a revolutionary digitally controlled method of treating disc problems, facet joint syndrome and spondylolisthesis.
It gently stretches and releases the specific spinal level, taking pressure off spinal discs and facet joints. Research has shown that a course of 20 sessions can reduce bulging or herniated disks and allow facet joints to resume its normal movement pattern, by taking pres-
sure off the spinal nerves, increasing CSF fluid and blood supply to the treated area. This enables the patient to return to an active pain-free life. — Advertiser's content
Khaleej Times Special Report APRIL 18, 2013
13
Emitac Healthcare Solutions
Ensuring quality care EHS provides an array of innovative healthcare solutions Latha Krishnan
E
nriching the healthcare sector in the UAE for about four decades, Emitac Healthcare Solutions (EHS), is a professionally managed company providing an array of innovative healthcare solutions and services to a diverse clientele. EHS in association with world leading healthcare equipment manufacturers offers solutions in-patient monitoring and critical care, anaesthesia and operating room, hospital and patient furniture, radiology and imaging, healthcare informatics and technology, clinical and laboratory in addition to technical support services providing 24X7 techni-
cal assistance, and maintenance management. “To effectively address the needs of the healthcare industry, it is important for us to grow dynamically and ensure high quality of services. Our highly qualified technical team of biomedical engineers receive regular trainings at the principal factories, to continually upgrade their technical skills and knowledge. Our technologically advanced products and solutions help enhance the efficiency of caregivers to address the patient’s immediate requirements,” explains S Raghavan, CEO of EHS. “One of our key core competencies is our turnkey project department,” added Raghavan.
“Our project team is a one-stopsolutions provider to address all the needs of the industry. We are equipped to handle the entire Project Cycle, right from designing, medical equipment planning, turnkey tendering, procurement, logistical coordination, project management, implementation, issue management, training up to the project handover, followed by warranty maintenance. Over the years, we have worked on several public and private sector assignments in the UAE.” The company is now in the process of expanding geographically into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and north African markets. A new company under the name Etqan Medical Health-
Raghavan care Solutions LLC has been registered in Riyadh, in November, 2012. “Our venture into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the first phase in our regional expansion plan. Etqan is expected to be our window to integrate world-class medical and healthcare technologies and also serve as a platform for us to leverage ourselves into other potential markets. EHS has a sound reputation in the UAE, and we wish to replicate this success in all our future endeavours in emerging markets,” commented Raghavan. — Advertiser's content
Bin Sina Pharmacy
Decades of trust and care Dedicated to providing the best possible service to over five million customers every year
B
in Sina Pharmacy has congratulated the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. The DHA was launched in 1972 by the late Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, with a vision to create a world-class integrated healthcare system in
Bin Sina's chain of outlets is expected to rise to 65 by the end of 2013
14
Dubai by developing and implementing plans, policies and legislations promoting excellence in preventative, curative and rehabilitative healthcare, and to promote Dubai as a globally recognised destination for medical care. Over the past 40 years, the DHA has been successful in achieving these goals, shared with Bin Sina Pharmacy, the first-ever licensed pharmacy in Dubai. Bin Sina is now a chain of 45 outlets across the UAE, a number expected to rise to 65 by the end of 2013, with plans to also expand across the GCC. Bin Sina boasts a market share of around 15 per cent in the UAE, Khaleej Times Special Report APRIL 18, 2013
and in the past 18 months it has increased the retail space by 54 per cent to cater to that share. In an innovative tie-up with global supermarket chain Carrefour, Bin Sina has opened in-store pharmacies in Carrefour stores in several of Dubai’s largest malls, and this partnership is set to be extended elsewhere across the Middle East. Bin Sina Pharmacy and its staff are dedicated to providing the best possible service to over five million customers every year. As well as streamlining the look and feel of the pharmacies to improve the shopping experience for customers, the pharmacy has
also introduced the latest IT systems to enhance the links between healthcare professionals, drug manufacturers, pharmacies and patients. The Bin Sina customer philosophy is trust and care, and the group constantly strives to be in sync with ever-changing consumer demands and perceptions — enabling it to maintain a high standing in the UAE. The pharmacy has adopted a holistic approach to health that is markedly different from traditional pharmacies, and takes pride in attaining greater success driven by customer trust and loyalty. — Advertiser's content