UAE Minister of Health opens fourth session of Strategic Forum 2017-2021

UAE, October 24, 2015 – H.E. Abdul Rahman Al Owais, UAE Minister of Health, has opened the fourth session of the Ministry of Health Strategic Forum 2017- 2021. The Forum provides a platform for senior health officials to analyse the present national healthcare framework and develop a strategic plan to improve efficiency and efficacy of government performance. This is in line with the directives of the UAE National Agenda launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish a world-class healthcare system by 2021. 

His Excellency hailed the three previous sessions of the forum for achieving continuous development and implementing new, dynamic working methods. These advancements, coupled with the launch of a series of pioneering initiatives, will contribute to the long-term success of the UAE in meeting its goals and further cement the country’s position as a regional and international model for strategic planning.   

H.E. Al Owais said, “The UAE’s health sector has developed significantly under the wise leadership and support of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as their Highnesses, the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.”

H.E. added: “The fourth session of the Strategic Forum 2017-2021 has an important role to play in the success of the UAE National Agenda. Through the discussions held at the event, senior government officials will be able to improve levels of service and efficiency in the national healthcare sector. In line with the vision of the Agenda, the primary topics of conversation will include planning for the future, analyzing results, financial efficiency, innovation in government departments and the provision of seven star services. The 2015 ‘Year of Innovation’ has affirmed the importance of integration in federal government activity, allowing us to combine our efforts and create a combined strategy. This cooperation ultimately leads to more prosperity, better creativity, increased development, and the eventual attainment of our strategic goals.” 

Dr. Mohammad Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, commended the ministry’s commitment to offering a world-class healthcare system, and setting new benchmarks of excellence in the fields of leadership and performance. He highlighted several initiatives, pioneered by the department to-date, which have smoothed the transition to a smart and creative government, dedicated to ensuring the happiness of the country’s people. He concluded by praising the extensive efforts of the Ministry of Health, in support  of the goals of UAE Vision 2021 to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by the time of its golden jubilee 50th anniversary.  

The fourth session of the forum focused on the initiatives which will best achieve the long-term goals of the UAE, including the UAE National Agenda, the National Innovation Strategy, Smart Government initiatives and meeting the standards of the fourth generation of the government excellence system. Work was carried out in intensive working groups, brainstorming workshops and specialized innovation laboratories to nurture creative thought and develop alternative,   practical healthcare solutions to achieve the UAE Vision 2021. Business meetings and surveys were also conducted to analyze internal and external feedback. Analysis of this dialogue will help senior healthcare officials plan forward and implement dynamic solutions to ensure faster response times and achieve tangible results in a financially efficient manner. 

The assembly was held at the Grand Hyatt, Dubai, from October 22 to 24, 2015. Attendees included Yousif Al Sarkal, Assistant Undersecretary for Hospitals; Dr. Hussein Abdel-Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Sector Health Centers and Clinics; Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Asst. Undersecretary Of Public Health Policy & Licensing; and Awadh Seghayer AlKetbi, Assistant Undersecretary of Support Services Sector, in addition to directors of Medical Districts, central management, health facilities, hospitals, health centers, experts and strategy coordinators.