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The UAE will mark the first Emirates Medical Day on May 9 aimed at honouring healthcare workers and recognising their exceptional contribution to the community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an announcement made by the Emirates Medical Association (EMA), there are various surprises planned for healthcare workers in May as the country is returning to normalcy after the pandemic impact.
Speaking to the media, Dr Zuhair Alfardan, board member of EMA and general coordinator of the ‘Emirates Medical Day’ initiative, stated that UAE's healthcare workers proved their prowess during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the Emirates Medical Day is an initiative by the government to appreciate the efforts, sacrifices and hard work of the country's healthcare professionals.
The week-long campaign is themed: ‘The Emirates appreciates you', taking place from May 2 to 9. There will be booths placed at malls for the community to join the celebrations. Furthermore, discounts will be offered to healthcare workers along with free entertainment options, gift vouchers and many more activities.
The authorities are welcoming the community members to show their appreciation for healthcare workers by recording and posting their wishes on the EMA’s social media platforms. They can dedicate their appreciation to any specific healthcare worker or for all of them using hashtags #EmiratesMedicalDay and #EMD.
“We are looking forward to celebrating this day along with different health authorities. We want the community to join the celebrations. There will be campaigns held across different emirates,” said the president of Emirates Plastic Surgery Society.
Dr Nahla Al Mansoori, chairperson of development and strategic planning at EMA, pointed out that the Ministerial Development Council had decided last year to observe May 9 as Emirates Medical Day every year.
The day also coincides with the formation of EMA on May 9, 1981. Dr Al Mansoori further thanked the UAE leadership and government for extending their support and guidance to healthcare professionals in the country.
The Emirates Medical Day is being organised by the EMA in coordination with the Ministry of Community Development along with the support of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health (DoH) – Abu Dhabi, Emirates Health Services (EHS), Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, Burjeel Hospitals, and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).
Frontline heroes
EMA president Dr Mouza Al Sharhan hailed healthcare workers as everyday heroes of the society who deserve the highest praise and appreciation for their dedication, courage and professional competence they display on a daily basis. They sacrifice themselves to protect the community, Al Sharhan added.
Dr Lubna Alshaali, director of health policies and legislations department, MoHAP, underlined that the UAE is providing healthcare facilities in accordance with international standards, adding that it is one of the most important pillars of the country's national agenda.
“The UAE Medical Day is a meaningful initiative that seeks to shed light on our frontline heroes who work tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of our community," said Dr Rashid Al Suwaidi, executive director of healthcare workforce planning, DoH – Abu Dhabi.
Furthermore, Dr Duha Al-Awadi, consultant and director of the quality and institutional development office at DHA, affirmed that the day will prove to be a great motivation for all healthcare workers to continue to serve patients and the community at large.
Abdullah Al Balushi, medical director of Khorfakkan Hospital – Emirates Health Services, commended the UAE leadership for marking a special occasion to honour the country's healthcare workers and acknowledge their contributions to humanity.
Khalifa Al Qubaisi, chief commercial officer at ADNEC, went on to praise the efforts and sacrifices of all healthcare professionals in the UAE.
“The Group is committed to strengthening the healthcare ecosystem of the region, and we could not achieve this without the hard work and professionalism of our medical staff," added John Sunil, CEO, Burjeel Hospitals and Medical Centres.
SOURCE: Khaleej Times