Dh30 million health fund will help poorest of society

Low income patients in need of expensive healthcare are being offered a helping hand thanks to a new scheme launched by Dubai Health Authority to mark 2018 as the Year of Zayed.

Free and discounted treatments are being offered by the DHA in association with six private healthcare facilities, thanks to a fund worth Dh30 million.

The Ataa’ wa Saa’da (Giving and Happiness) project will support patients with limited means and help those with financial, psychological or social impediments.

It aims to strengthen the DHA’s links with the private sector, and has been described by Humaid Al Qutami, chairman of the board and DHA director general, as an opportunity to reflect a humanitarian cause during the Year of Zayed.

“These private hospitals have responded positively to achieving the objectives of the initiative, which aims to support patients with limited means, support them and alleviate the pain and burden on their shoulders and their families,” he said.

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Although the six private healthcare providers have not yet been named by the DHA, the Dh30 million fund will be run annually, with more facilities encouraged to join the scheme in future to open up more options for free treatment.

“A number of meetings have been held with private health facilities, who will be taking part in the initiative,” said Dr Marwan Al Mulla, the Director of Health Regulation at DHA

“This will be implemented in partnership with the Community & Humanitarian Services Office at DHA.”

The DHA is also promoting a campaign for community volunteering, in line with the ‘Day for Dubai’ scheme that encourages people to help out the elderly and disabled in their community.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has backed the project to encourage every resident to dedicate at least one day of the year to volunteer in their community.

‘A Day in Hatta’, will take place on January 25 until the end of 2018 with a series of volunteering social, sport and educational activities that encourage a healthy lifestyle.

‘Community Visitors’, which is another DHA initiative that targets people of determination and the elderly, will begin on February 1.

“This is an important opportunity to consolidate volunteerism in the hearts of everyone, and motivate individuals to give back,” said Mr Al Qutami.