Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals And RAK Medical University Sign MoU To Enhance Clinical Training Opportunities
The Medical Office, a part of PureHealth, has facilitated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU). This agreement aims to enhance clinical training for students in medical and health sciences. It seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping future healthcare professionals with essential experience.
This MoU is groundbreaking as it is the first of its kind across all Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals' facilities. It includes Sheikh Khalifa General Hospital in Umm Al Qaiwain, Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Ajman, and Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Fujairah. These hospitals collectively offer nearly 600 beds and employ over 2,500 healthcare workers, including 630 physicians.

The signing ceremony took place at Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah. Attendees included representatives from all involved hospitals, Salem Al Sharhan, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, and several academic leaders. The event highlighted the potential for future collaborations benefiting both healthcare and academia.
Dr. Aref Al Shehhi, CEO of The Medical Office at PureHealth, stated that "The MoU reflects the Office’s commitment to advancing health education and scientific research in the UAE." He emphasised that opening Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals to upcoming medical professionals is an investment in developing skilled individuals who will shape regional medicine's future.
Dr. Al Shehhi also mentioned that this agreement "embodies the strategic vision of The Medical Office to foster pioneering academic partnerships that drive integration and ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare." This partnership aims to create a seamless connection between educational institutions and clinical practice environments.
Professor Ismail Matalka, President of RAKMHSU, remarked on the collaboration's importance: "This partnership with Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals strengthens the bridge between education and clinical practice. By working together, we can provide our students with outstanding training opportunities, support the professional growth of healthcare staff, and ultimately enhance the quality of patient care in the UAE."
Expanding Collaborative Efforts
The MoU outlines various collaborative efforts such as joint research initiatives, faculty exchanges, internship training programs, and contributions to professional development. Both parties are committed to organising joint academic activities like symposia, conferences, workshops, sharing scientific publications, and participating in collaborative events.
This agreement not only focuses on student training but also aims at enhancing professional development through continuous medical education. Such initiatives are expected to improve patient care quality across UAE healthcare facilities by fostering a well-trained workforce.
With inputs from WAM