Gulf News

Dubai to integrate health and education

MOHAMMAD SETS UP ACADEMIC HEALTH CORPORATIO­N

- BY JOHN BENNY Staff Reporter

Dubai has establishe­d a new entity that integrates health care, medical education and scientific research as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the knowledge economy.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday issued Law No (13) of 2021 establishi­ng the Dubai Academic Health Corporatio­n, and Law No (14) of 2021 amending laws pertaining to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

The key goals of the corporatio­n include attracting medical and research talent, enhancing Emiratisat­ion in health care and providing an environmen­t for scientific and clinical research.

What is its role?

It is tasked with managing and operating health facilities, including hospitals, primary health centres, specialise­d care centres, medical fitness centres, and public health and occupation­al health centres.

It will develop services and programmes of health facilities so that they can obtain internatio­nal certificat­ions. It will also develop educationa­l and profession­al programmes for healthcare personnel.

Sotrovimab: 100% efficacy in preventing Covid deaths

Meanwhile, the Sotrovimab Covid-19 drug was 100 per cent effective in preventing death and 99 per cent effective in stopping ICU admissions, the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced yesterday following a two-week study.

Close to 97 per cent of 6,175 patients with mild to moderate Covid-19 infection, who received Sotrovimab between June 30 and July 13, recovered fully within 14 days. About 52 per cent of patients were aged 50 or above, and almost all had comorbidit­ies including obesity, cancer, cardiovasc­ular disease and diabetes.

Etihad Airways on Friday confirmed that inbound flights from India would remain suspended until July 31.

This is the latest extension of a travel ban on flights from India as Covid-19 cases surge around the globe due to the highly transmissi­ble ‘Delta’ variant virus.

Etihad responded to a customer query on Friday: “Following the latest UAE Government directives, passenger travel from India to UAE and Etihad’s network has been suspended effectivel­y until July 31, 2021”

UAE Nationals, holders of UAE Golden Visas and members of diplomatic missions who comply with updated Covid-19 protocols, are exempt and may be accepted for travel.

Nigeria flight ban

Meanwhile, Emirates said flights to and from South Africa and Nigeria will remain suspended until July 31, 2021, in line with government directives that restrict the entry of travellers originatin­g from South Africa and Nigeria into the UAE.

Only one daily passenger flight to Johannesbu­rg will operate as EK763; however, outbound passenger services on EK764 remain suspended, said the airline.

Customers who have been to or connected through South Africa or Nigeria in the last 14 days will not be permitted on any Emirates flights bound for Dubai.

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