Ministry of Health & Prevention launches ERMS initiative to promote patient rights

UAE, May 6, 2017- The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), represented by the Department of Clinical Quality and Health Accreditation in the Hospital Sector, has launched the ERMS initiative to establish rights for patients in the community, giving them further access to health care and health facilities, while providing them with comprehensive, efficient and effective services. 

Dr. Youssif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for MOHAP’s Hospitals Sector, said: “By launching the ERMS initiative, we aim to raise awareness among the community regarding patient rights in adherence with the best international practices, while highlighting the importance of involving every individual in the health care system to raise the level of trust in our health facilities and medical staff. This reflects our commitment to international accreditation standards, and promotes health practices according to internationally approved medical protocols. This supports the ministry’s strategy to provide excellent health services, while improving the quality of its work and developing its health facilities.”

Al Serkal also noted MOHAP’s commitment to preserving the rights of all patients to receive full medical care, while protecting their privacy and ensuring confidentiality at the highest levels of efficiency and transparency, in a manner that abides by the health and cultural requirements of the patient. The ministry works to raise awareness among health service providers and their employees on the importance of patient rights in the development of the health sector. The ministry also strives to develop regulations regarding the rights of patients across all facilities, while prioritizing patient care.

Dr. Amna Al Nabooda, Head of Clinical Quality, noted MOHAP’s commitment towards ensuring the rights of patients and their families to receive a full explanation of the medical condition involved and the treatment needed. Patients will also receive information on the complications that may occur as a result of the treatment, especially in cases such as cancer, special needs, psychological disorders, and chronic diseases.

Al Nabooda also noted the importance of properly training and qualifying the employees of health facilities on how to deal with patients professionally and respectfully, and how to raise awareness regarding the rights of patients through launching campaigns and distributing brochures and posters. She also highlighted the importance of social networking in raising awareness across all segments of society. 

The launch of the new initiative included a lecture by Dr. Zakaria Al-Attal, Senior Advisor for Institutional Development and International Accreditation at MOHAP, called ‘Five Steps to Safe Health Care.’ Dr. Amira Al Khaja, Director of Sharjah's primary healthcare centers, discussed the importance of involving patients in Sharjah health centres, while Esraa Al Bastaki spoke about the patient’s journey during treatment. The event concluded with a panel discussion on the close relationship between the patient and health facilities.