Ministry launches innovation strategy for healthcare
DUBAI — As part of its participation in the UAE’s Innovation Month, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) launched its Innovation Strategy 2019-2021 for the future of healthcare.
The strategy has been put together with the aim of making the UAE a leading international destination for smart, sustainable healthcare, said Dr Mohamed Salim Al Olama, undersecretary of Mohap.
It maps out a plan that includes enhancing healthcare services, developing research centres, and establishing local and international partnerships that can help the country prepare for future diseases.
Dr Youssif Al Serkal, assistant undersecretary for the ministry’s hospitals sector and head of innovation committee, said Mohap’s innovation strategy is anchored on four key pillars: Healthcare leadership, research and development, healthy society, and leading operations and services.
“It also relies on five elements including human capital to develop the possibilities of innovation and research, creating a platform for information exchange, facilitating sources of innovation funding in health sector, making the best use of advanced technology updates, and building partnerships to enhance innovation and research,” Dr Al Serkal said.
He added that during Innovation Month, the ministry will “deliver artificial intelligence-based smart medical solutions, stimulate virtual reality, and provide predictive analysis and remote healthcare services”.
To celebrate innovation with the country this month, Mohap has lined up a host of events and activities.
Saqr Al Hemeiri, chief innovation officer and learning and development director in Sharjah, said: “The activities include the launch of a number of innovative projects, such as the Khorfakkan Dentistry Specialised Centre, as well as conferences about innovations in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and nursing, among others.”
There will also be a ‘hackathon’ contest for programmers, interactive lectures and workshops on the future of medical professions, and an innovation exhibition.
Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, said: “The Innovation Month of the UAE is considered the biggest showcase of innovative initiatives in the world. It’s a strategy aiming to strengthen the UAE’s position as one of the most innovative countries around the globe.”
The Innovation Month of the UAE is considered the biggest showcase of innovative initiatives in the world.” Abdul Rahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention