UAE-based Zulekha Hospital on Monday said that healthcare professionals stranded in India due to COVID-19 are returning to Dubai with the help and support of the Emirati government and Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Doctors and nurses had travelled to India during holidays but were unable to return to the UAE due to the suspension of flights between the two countries in line with pandemic restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19.

The first batch of doctors returned to the UAE on July 9, followed by some more professionals arriving on June 10 and 12, from various Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, and Bangalore.

According to reports, more than 95 healthcare professionals arrived in the UAE with their children and other family members. All these medical professionals travelled to the UAE on Emirates airlines.

Upon arrival to the UAE, Nurse Bilinda Lavisha Dcruz extended gratitude to the UAE government which facilitated their return to Dubai.

“We have been waiting to get back to UAE and get to work. As a nurse, it is very crucial for me to be there when patients need us the most. I am happy I did not lose the job due to my prolonged absence in these unprecedented times, thanks to the consideration of everyone who helped us in getting back," she said.

Responding to the development, Zulekha Healthcare Group's managing director Taher Shams thanked the DHA and other relevant authorities for their understanding, support and help in flying the staff back to UAE.

"In these difficult times, we are keen to sustain the strength of the UAE healthcare system that has been built by the contributions of every healthcare worker in this country. All healthcare providers including us are grateful and very much appreciate this vital support given to these medics at this point," Shams said.

In addition, Vijaya Sen, the group’s senior director for human resources, pointed out that the special permission given by the DHA and other authorities served as a big relief to the staff who were stranded in India for months. Sen added that effective communication and close coordination with health authorities, airlines and professionals eased their travel back to the Emirates.

"This news brought in the much-awaited joy and excitement to come back to their second home, the UAE," Sen said.

During the travel, the hospital ensured that staff members complied with COVID-19 safety protocols including medical test requirements before boarding the flight. The hospital also arranged for staff members' accommodation for home quarantine. At the same time, an infection control team ensured that the health records of doctors and nurses are timely monitored.

"DHA’s initiative has ensured healthcare providers do not lose their experienced resources in these turbulent times," Sen added.