Dubai Health Authority to sponsor 130 Emiratis to study in the field of medicine, nursing and paramedics

DUBAI, 14th July, 2016 (WAM) -- Dubai Health Authority, DHA, is to sponsor 130 Emiratis every year to continue their higher education in the fields of medicine, nursing and the field of paramedics. DHA launched this ambitious programme, entitled "Sponsoring Emiratis in the Medical Sector" on Wednesday, during a press conference held at the authority’s headquarters in Dubai. It is designed to overcome the Emiratisation challenges the medical sector is currently facing, after reports found that there is a shortage of Emiratis in medical fields, especially in the nursing, medicine and paramedic sector. Following graduation, the students will have secure jobs at DHA hospitals and clinics. DHA will also encourage students to excel in their education with monthly cash incentives for nursing and paramedic students. "There is a need for experienced Emirati cadres in the medical sector in Dubai to support the growing developments this vital sector is experiencing. By launching this programme, we hope to not only elevate this sector further, but also to support the Emiratisation drive in Dubai and continue providing world class services to the people of Dubai," said Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of DHA. Emirati high school students will be chosen by a committee based on a certain criteria and students interested in applying can do so by visiting the authority’s website. A DHA study found that among the challenges that contribute to the shortage of Emiratis working in the medical field is the length of the medical programmes, as studying medicine in university can take up to seven years, and following that, six to seven more years are required in practical experience and training. Therefore, as part of the programme, DHA will encourage students to enter the field not only by covering their education, but also by providing them with secured jobs after graduation at the authority’s hospitals and centres. At Qatami concluded by saying that the programme does not only aim to attract Emiratis to enter the medical sector in fields they are needed most, but also to encourage them to excel in the field of medicine to better benefit the people of the UAE in the future. - Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/general/1395297722228.html