The Emirates Health Services Establishment (EHSE) recently organized its first meeting under the chairmanship of Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, Head of Board of Directors. During the meeting, Director-General Dr. Youssif Al Serkal and other board members were also present to discuss the future of the healthcare sector in the UAE.

The EHSE has been established in accordance with the vision of the UAE leadership for the future of the healthcare sector in the country. The initiative has been taken in line with the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda with the aim of providing an effective and sustainable health system to all members of society and achieve the aspirations of the UAE Centennial 2071.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Al Olama said that the establishment has been set under UAE leadership’s vision to redevelop and strengthen the efficiency of the Emirati health sector and provide state-of-the-art healthcare services to everyone in accordance with the best international practices and standards. He added that the EHES seeks to provide an effective and efficient organizational environment that will be adaptable to the progressing needs of society, particularly amid the ongoing global health challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This organisational transformation will place the establishment at the forefront of healthcare service providers in the world, by focussing on providing sustainable and high-quality healthcare services in line with the UAE vision and global standards," he said.

Dr. Al Serkal underlined that the creation of the EHSE has been a significant and qualitative addition to the health sector. He affirmed that it will not only help in boosting the efficiency of the country’s health sector by offering top-notch health and therapeutic services, but will also contribute to implementing precautionary measures to combat future pandemics and attain sustainable health development.

In addition to this, the EHSE will enable and support research and studies as well as assist in the creation of health and preventive units and departments, maternity and children care centres, school health and vaccination centres, blood banks, ambulance services, and health training centres.

Furthermore, it will work in coordination with relevant government bodies to hold conferences and workshops and carry out agreements and partnerships with local and internal parties to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the UAE's health sector.

The EHSE Board of Directors consists of representatives from all relevant government bodies from the seven emirates in the UAE as well as a representative of the youth category. This amalgamation of representatives from various groups will help in supporting the mission of the entity to offer sustainable and high-quality healthcare services to people across all communities.

In the first meeting, the establishment selected a Vice-Chairman of the board of directors and a secretary. The board members also discussed key agendas and plan to develop working mechanisms in accordance with international standards and approved the formation of relevant committees to enhance the healthcare sector.

WAM