Dubai hospitals must improve services for the ‘determined ones’

Notice is the latest to ensure better disabled access ahead of Expo 2020

The dream of a city with access for all is a step closer to reality with hospitals the latest buildings to be given an ultimatum to improve their disabled access under the Dubai Disability Strategy 2020.

All private healthcare facilities in the emirate have been given six months to alter their facilities to become disabled friendly. The notice is the latest government move to improve access across the city ahead of Expo 2020.

The Dubai Health Authority has established five teams to implement strategy objectives for for people with a disability – the “determined ones” – under the guidance of director general Humaid Al Qutami.

“The comprehensive developmental work the authority is witnessing in its services and facilities aim in the first place to meet the current needs and demands of the determined ones – these include an early intervention screening programme, rehabilitation and the provision of quality health services,” he said.

“The authority is focusing on providing smart services that meet the needs of the determined ones.”

The teams will focus on improving early developmental screening, diagnosis and early interventions, health benefits and funding, inclusive health policies for the disabled, rehabilitation and mental health.

The DHA also aims to integrate the programme with all nurseries and paediatric clinics, in the private and public sectors.

A registry of disabled people will also be set up and there will be a comprehensive classification system for diagnosing conditions as well as communicating with decision makers to issue regulations and policies that will ensure the implementation of the programme, the DHA said.

Dr Manal Taryam, chief executive of primary health care, is leading the health and rehabilitation task force for the DHA.

“The authority aims to insure that quality diagnosis and prevention services are available in health centres and clinics and develop models for early intervention that also take into consideration psychological factors.”

Previously, making buildings accessible to all was a matter of best practice but, since February, it has been a legal requirement. All building owners will be given a three-year period in which they will need to produce an accessibility plan, with new buildings required to include adequate disabled access.

Earlier this year, 45 engineers from various building development backgrounds met for a workshop under the Accessible Environment for Persons with Disabilities Project, organised by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.

Dubai all its buildings to be disabled-friendly by 2020.