(9 June 2010)
Abu Dhabi Health Services Co. PJSC (SEHA), owner and operator of the emirate’s expansive SEHA HealthSystem, has announced plans for the establishment of nine new Ambulatory Healthcare Clinics in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain after receiving approval of its plans from the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi. It is another major step towards reaching its goal of providing quality healthcare to all Abu Dhabi residents. The new health centres will be located strategically throughout the two cities in the areas of Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Shahama, Al Falah, Al Shamkha, Al Hili, Oud Al Tawbah, AlHaiyir, Al Yahar and Suwaihan. The new SEHA projects are part of the company’s strategic plan for the development of a comprehensive healthcare infrastructure delivering services comparable to the best available in the world.
Saif Al Qubaisi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Health Services Co., says that the new health projects will contribute to achieving greater levels of comprehensive medical care following the directions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, in developing all the necessary services to provide quality healthcare for citizens and residents in all areas.
Health services in Abu Dhabi are monitored and directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to endorse world class standards in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system.
Construction of the clinics will take place over the next several years with all projects currently set for completion sometime during the second quarter of 2012. The Abu Dhabi projects include three new buildings located in Mohamed Bin Zayed City, Shahama, and Al Shamkha, with the renovation of an existing building in Al Falah. All of the Al Ain projects will involve the replacement of existing buildings with new state-of-the-art clinics.
Highlighting the advancements set forth by SEHA, Mr. Carl Stanifer, CEO of Abu Dhabi Health Services Co., said that the new clinics would offer exceptional resources and international expertise to all visitors seeking the highest standards of health services.
“Serving populations of between 5,000 to 15,000 individuals, these specialized ambulatory clinics will provide citizens with timely access to medical care unseen in many of these areas before,” added Stanifer.
Each of the clinics will offer a comprehensive list of services, including dental, family medicine, general and internal medicine, paediatric, minor surgery, obstetrics & gynaecology, and medical diagnostic imaging.
The Chief of Facilities and Construction Division in SEHA, Mr. Saif Al Hameli, says that the clinics were designed with patient’s “total wellbeing” in mind, including all the latest comforts and amenities. “Locations were carefully chosen to make sure that they cover as much of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi’s population as possible,” said Al Hameli.
“All surrounding environmental factors and urban plans were also taken into consideration, with an emphasis on creating buildings that are both economical and environmentally friendly.”
Al Hameli pointed out that the designs of the clinics were made following the latest international medical standards, whether it was the medical facilities themselves, interior spaces, the movements of patients to and from clinics, or requirements for people with their special needs. Each centre will cover an area of approximately 3650 square meters spread over two levels. Every level including 15 examination and treatment rooms in addition to sections for minor operations, diagnostic imaging and other comprehensive health services. The surrounding outdoor areas are said to include open green space as well as ample parking for patients and doctors.
Initial diagnosis and treatment for local visitors is to be done in the clinics themselves; but if the patient’s health requires further attention, the clinics are prepared for emergency services including fully-equipped medical transportation units.
SEHA’s latest proposal for the Ambulatory Healthcare Clinics follows a series of international recognitions awarded to the company earlier this year for outstanding policies and practices at the Arab Health Awards 2010. In addition, AHS’s Khalifa City A Clinic is the first SEHA Ambulatory Healthcare Centre to receive JCI Accreditation. JCIA represents a worldwide consensus on the quality of patient care offered that reflects state-of-the-art healthcare practices and the highest quality healthcare delivery trends.