Ministry of Health & Prevention organizes second laboratory to develop framework to reduce cancer and heart disease indicators

UAE, June 19, 2017 - In adherence with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP), represented by its Hospitals Sector, held the second laboratory to develop framework to reduce cancer and heart disease indicators. The workshop was held at the JW Marriot Marquis hotel, and witnessed the attendance of Dr. Youssif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for MOHAP's Hospitals Sector, and Dr. Muna Al Kuwari, Director of Specialized care management and Executive Vice President of the team, in addition to a number of representatives from the Ministry and the Abu Dhabi Health Authority (ADHA). The event also witnessed the participation of friends of cancer patients, the UAE Heart Association, and the private health sector.

The laboratory aimed to develop operational plans for different initiatives and programs launched by the Ministry in adherence with government directives to establish 36 executive teams, to achieve the objectives set by the National Agenda 2021 across 52 national indicators, over the next 4 years. This supports the vision of the wise leadership, to implement a health system according to the highest international standards, to place the UAE at the forefront of the international community for healthcare.

Dr. Al Kuwari began the laboratory with a presentation explaining the results achieved by the first laboratory, regarding the development of national indicators for a population of 100,000 people. Dr. Al Kuwari noted that the laboratory will help set the framework required to implement 9 national programs and initiatives aimed at fighting cancer and establishing specialized centers capable of providing diagnostic and therapeutic services in UAE hospitals. The laboratory will also contribute towards the preparation of a national cancer registry.

Dr. Muna said: “The objective of today's event is to establish the framework to implement 8 new initiatives to develop specialized services, modernize equipment, help train medical and technical personnel, streamline the national program for early detection (Itmenan), and provide smart applications capable of detecting risk factors. Through today's laboratory, we also aim to develop new healthy food campaigns and encourage more positive interaction from the food sector. 

During the session, Dr. Ibtahal Fadel presented the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline for the implementation of indicators regarding cancer, and heart and artery diseases. The first session of the laboratory focused on the responsibilities of different subgroups, while the cancer mortality reduction team addressed the identification of long-term, medium- and short-term initiatives. ECG focused on assessing the urgency of the initiatives, while the indicator measurement team identified the indicators and targets for the initiatives. 

The session concluded with a roadmap highlighting the responsibilities of the Cancer and Cardiovascular Index sub teams, and coordinating efforts between health authorities. The roadmap also highlighted different timeframes and performance standards, and outlined an agreement to exchange information, while working to achieve the vision of the government, in adherence with the UAE Vision 2021.