Sweeping health reforms to 'improve lives'

Abu Dhabi’s health authority on Monday unveiled a five year plan to overhaul healthcare in the emirate to meet the demands of rising birth rates, long life-expectancy and increasing numbers of expatriate workers.

According to the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD), priorities will include the provision of affordable healthcare for all, building patient trust, increased staff training and promoting a healthy lifestyle, UAE daily The National reported.

Chairman of HAAD, Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei said the strategic plan would “substantially contribute towards the government’s mission to improve lives and ensure that present and future generations in the emirate will be part of a confident and secure society.”

Under the plan, better computer systems would be introduced to improve administration, along with more investment from the private sector and performance-related pay for private healthcare providers.

Other issues to be addressed include the lack of rehabilitation clinics and long-term nursing care facilities. The body also intends to employ more Emiratis in the system, the newspaper said.