Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention and Canadian Ambassador to the UAE hold meeting to discuss ways on how to strengthen health relations between two countries

UAE, January 10, 2018 - His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Mohammad Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), recently met with H.E. Masud Husain, Canadian Ambassador to the UAE, to discuss the potential of strengthening and consolidating cooperative ties in the field of health for the two countries, especially in the exchange and transfer of knowledge and experiences, promotion and adoption of best medical practices and continuing medical education. Also present during the meeting was Dr. Issa Ahmad Al Mansouri, Director of the Undersecretary's Office and Director of International Health Relations for the Ministry.

During the meeting, both officials reviewed the bilateral relations enjoyed by both countries and discussed ways on how to further enhance relations for the health sector. The two officials focused on key initiatives that included the signing of memorandums of understanding for study opportunities, exchange of medical expertise and the provision of training for medical professionals. Other points discussed included the coordination of visits to both UAE and Canada, sending of patients for treatment purposes and the coming participation of Canada in this year's edition of Arab Health, the largest healthcare event in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which will be held from January 29, 2018 to February 1, 2018 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

Undersecretary Al Olama emphasized on the importance of the meeting, which is expected to open up potential opportunities that are aimed towards developing healthy relations between the UAE and Canada. He also shared that the meeting represents opportunities to be abreast of the latest international treatment methods and help raise the quality standards in health care services. The Undersecretary also cited the quality focused achievements made by the UAE in the field of health and acknowledged the strong support given by the UAE's wise leadership in helping achieve the Ministry's objectives of providing comprehensive and integrated health care services to the people--including the development of a modern health information system, which complements the unified effort to instill a culture of innovation.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Ambassador lauded the UAE and its achievements in the field of health. He also expressed Canada's keenness in further developing health relations between the two countries--facilitating exchange of knowledge and experiences, research and the promotion of medical tourism. Ambassador Husain stressed on the significance of the meeting, which he explained to be a valuable opportunity to develop healthy relations between the two countries and explore ways on how to enhance fruitful cooperation.