‘Emirates Medical Day’ is a letter of thanks from the country’s residents to all healthcare workers in appreciation of their efforts in promoting community health and quality of life
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 21 April 2022: Emirates Medical Association (EMA), the UAE’s premier professional association for healthcare practitioners, announced today that the UAE will celebrate the first “Emirates Medical Day” on May 9, 2022 to honour healthcare workers and recognize their contribution to society. Organized by the EMA in cooperation with the Ministry of Community Development and with the support of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health (DoH) – Abu Dhabi, Emirates Health Services (EHS), Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, Burjeel Group, and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), “Emirates Medical Day” is envisioned as a letter of thanks from the country’s residents to all healthcare workers in appreciation of their efforts in promoting community health and quality of life.
This initiative to designate a specific day to celebrate healthcare workers follows a decision by the Ministerial Development Council in its session held on 20/6/2021 to observe the ninth of May of each year as “Emirates Medical Day”, which would be the first such initiative of its kind at the national level.
The EMA noted that the launch of “Emirates Medical Day” recognizes the invaluable role of healthcare professionals in preserving the health of community members. The Association further stated that, in this inaugural year, “Emirates Medical Day” will be celebrated under the theme, “The Emirates appreciates you”, stressing that this slogan captures the nation’s gratitude and appreciation for all healthcare workers who work tirelessly and with selfless dedication to keep our communities healthy and safe.
Dr. Mouza Al Sharhan, President of Emirates Medical Association, said: “The announcement of ‘Emirates Medical Day’ confirms the keenness of our wise leadership to support and care for our caregivers, celebrate their achievements and recognize their contribution to the nation. Healthcare workers are the everyday heroes of our society and deserve the highest praise and appreciation for their dedication, professional competence and the courage they show in sacrificing themselves to protect us.”
Dr. Al Sharhan added, “At Emirates Medical Association, we continue to adhere to the directives of our nation’s leadership in developing the skills and professional performance of healthcare practitioners and thus contributing to the transformation of the healthcare sector. On behalf of the EMA, I extend my congratulations and thanks to all doctors and healthcare workers in the country.”
Dr. Zuhair Alfardan, Head of Media and International Relations at EMA and general coordinator of the ‘Emirates Medical Day’ initiative, said: “The Emirates Medical Association, which was established four decades ago, plays an important role in developing medical education programs and encouraging health-related scientific research, helping enhance the UAE’s position as an important centre for healthcare knowledge. Having the 9th of May designated as ‘Emirates Medical Day’ marks the crowning achievement of the Association, and provides an opportunity for residents in the UAE to express their gratitude and appreciation to doctors, nurses, pharmacists and all healthcare workers for everything they have done – and continue to do – for our community.”
Dr. Lubna Alshaali, Director of Health Policies and Legislations Department in Ministry of Health and prevention, said: “In light of the directions of the United Arab Emirates towards promoting public health and creating a comprehensive and sustainable health system towards a happy society, the provision of health care according to international standards is one of the most important pillars from which the country’s national agenda is based. The Ministry, together with its stakeholders, has developed national health policies and legislation that support the promotion of Community health, with the aim of making a huge leap in health services and infrastructure. As for the priority initiatives they included: Providing comprehensive integrated health care in innovative ways, development of health information systems and application of international standards, building quality and health safety systems, supporting healthcare providers, and consolidating a culture of innovation, in addition to the great efforts exerted during the Covid 19 pandemic.
As for the Ministry’s future plans, they include: promoting a healthy, active, lifestyle for the Emirati community, enhancing mental health, promoting research and health information, providing health services based on modern medical sciences and AI, developing a vigilant health system, and community participation.”
Dr. Rashid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Planning at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said, “The Department values the ongoing efforts presented by the Emirates Medical Association (EMA) – specifically on announcing the “UAE Medical Day”, a meaningful initiative that seeks to shed light on our frontline heroes who work tirelessly to ensure health and safety of our community. With the medics outstanding contribution, Abu Dhabi was able to deliver a remarkable response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to receive multiple recognitions and high rankings for topping the charts. DoH continuously seeks to launch new programmes and initiatives that focus on providing the healthcare professionals with an exceptional career journey where they can refine their skills, learn international best practices and deliver quality care to patients.”
Dr. Duha Al-Awadi, Consultant and Director of the Quality and Institutional Development
Office at Dubai Health Authority, said, “’Emirates Medical Day’ recognizes the noble contributions of healthcare workers and the sacrifices they make to keep our community safe. Dedicating a day to celebrate their accomplishments will serve as a great source of motivation for all healthcare workers to continue to selflessly serve patients and the community at large. Cooperation among different health institutions that are all aligned to a common national vision has been a key factor driving the remarkable growth of the UAE’s healthcare sector, and it is heartening to see so many stakeholders from the healthcare ecosystem joining hands once again to celebrate the men and women who drive the industry forward.”
Abdullah Al Balushi, Medical Director of Khorfakkan Hospital – Emirates Health Services, said, “The UAE, under the guidance of its forward-thinking leaders, has taken significant initiatives to strengthen the healthcare sector, which are consistent with the values and aspirations of Emirates Health Services and which have had a major impact on the quality of life of the country’s residents. The UAE government accords top priority to the health sector and continues to harness all capabilities and resources to provide integrated health services, promote healthy lifestyles, and build a healthier, happier community. I congratulate the country’s leadership for allocating a day to honour healthcare workers and celebrate their service to humanity.”
Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), said: “ADNEC is proud to support ‘Emirates Medical Day’ and applauds the efforts of all healthcare professionals in the UAE. As we navigate our way out of the pandemic, the safety and wellbeing of our community remains paramount. Working in conjunction with the health authorities, we were honoured to be able to assist communities throughout the pandemic by transforming our venues in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain into field hospitals, and subsequently testing and vaccination hubs – helping mitigate the impact of Covid-19. We remain indebted to the commitment of healthcare professionals.”
John Sunil, Chief Executive Officer, Burjeel Group, said, “We at the Burjeel Group are incredibly proud and excited to be supporting ‘Emirates Medical Day’. The Group is committed to strengthening the healthcare ecosystem of the region, and we could not achieve this without the hard work and professionalism of our medical staff. Let ‘Emirates Medical Day’ be a unique opportunity to extend our gratitude in recognition of the value they bring to our organization, and to reaffirm our support for all healthcare workers, as we continue to work together to provide the highest standards of medical services.”
