645 patients provided medical assistance

dubai — The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has provided medical treatment and equipment worth Dh4,491,849 to 645 patients with financial constraints.

The patients were from public and private hospitals in Dubai and the help was provided under the Mosaadah (assistance) programme.

Through this programme, the authority reaches out to both locals and non-locals who require medical treatment but cannot afford it.

Essa Al Maidoor, Director General of DHA said the initiative ensures the needy gets access to highquality care. Salem bin Lahej, head of the Mosaadah programme said: “In 2013, we worked with various charities including Beit Al Khair. Various charities, corporates and community members donated towards this cause and helped us reach out to a large number of patients with financial difficulties.”

In 2013, Dh4,491,849 was spent on treatment and equipment of 497 patients; Dh2,879,849 was spent on patients in DHA hospitals and the remaining Dh1,612,000 was raised in cooperation with Beit Al Khair to serve 157 patients in private hospitals in Dubai.

He said the initiative reaches out to expatriates across all nationalities and that one of the main criteria for selection is the medical condition of the patient.

In 2011, the charity served 251 patients belonging to 35 nationalities and provided them treatment and equipment worth Dh4,49,690.

In 2012, Dh4,73,322 was raised to help 299 patients belonging to 34 nationalities. He said patients with various medical conditions including burns, cardiac problems and cancer were provided treatment through this initiative.

Those interested to volunteer and/or donate, may contact representatives of the Mosaadah programme at 009714 2197474.