Seven Abu Dhabi Healthcare Facilities Exceed Emiratisation Goals In 2023

Following a significant announcement by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the healthcare sector in the Emirate has seen a remarkable influx of over 1,200 healthcare professionals within a mere six months, thanks to the introduction of the "Tawteen" targets. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to bolster job opportunities for UAE nationals, thereby enhancing their contributions to the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi and meeting the Emiratisation goals set by DoH, which aims to employ 5,000 UAE citizens by the end of 2025.

In a recent ceremony held at the Department’s headquarters, DoH honoured seven top-performing healthcare facilities that not only met but exceeded the Emiratisation targets for 2023. The event was graced by Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of DoH, Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, and Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC), alongside high-level representatives from distinguished healthcare facilities.

The facilities that received accolades for their exceptional performance include Zayed Military Hospital, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Tawam Hospital, Al Dhafra Hospitals, Amana Healthcare Medical and Rehabilitation Hospital, Burjeel Medical City, and Mediclinic Al Jowhara. These institutions have set a benchmark for others in the sector by significantly contributing to the skilled healthcare workforce in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra region.

Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi highlighted the importance of the Tawteen initiative in job creation and facilitating employment opportunities for national job seekers. She noted that by the end of 2023, there was a growth rate of 12% in the national workforce within the healthcare sector, surpassing the annual target set by this initiative. This achievement underscores the commitment to empowering UAE nationals and providing them with substantial roles in advancing the healthcare system.

Ghannam Al Mazrouei emphasized the collaborative efforts between ETCC and DoH in attracting and retaining national graduates and job seekers in the workforce. He pointed out that such collaboration is crucial for implementing effective Emiratisation strategies that align with the UAE leadership's directives aimed at empowering the national workforce through comprehensive training programmes under the Nafis initiative.

DoH continues to work closely with healthcare providers to strategically recruit local talent and integrate graduates from healthcare programmes into the workforce. This effort extends to raising Emiratisation rates across various medical professions including doctors, nursing staff, and extended healthcare professions. The initiative also focuses on skilled administrative staff across sectors such as information technology, human resources, accounting, finance, and legal.

In addition to recruitment efforts, DoH is extending its support to all facilities to achieve their Emiratisation targets effectively. This includes leveraging the "Nafis" initiative and its platform to connect Emirati job seekers with potential employment opportunities in the healthcare field. Such comprehensive support underscores DoH’s commitment to not only meeting but exceeding Emiratisation targets within Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector.

The collective efforts of DoH, ETCC, and participating healthcare facilities highlight a dedicated approach towards enhancing the quality of healthcare services in Abu Dhabi through strategic employment and empowerment of UAE nationals. This initiative not only contributes to a robust healthcare system but also supports the broader vision of sustainable development and national empowerment in the UAE.

With inputs from WAM