Emirates Health Services Expands Access With 15 New Specialised Mental Health Clinics

Emirates Health Services (EHS) has introduced 15 specialised mental health clinics under its "Together for Mental Well-being" initiative. These clinics, launched in the presence of Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director-General of EHS, will be set up within primary healthcare centres across six emirates, from Dubai to Fujairah. This expansion aims to improve community mental well-being and aligns with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031.

The initiative's focus is on integrating mental health services into primary healthcare settings. Dr. Noor Al Mheiri, Director of the Mental Health Department at EHS, highlighted that enhancing these services is a strategic priority. By doing so, EHS ensures that community members receive specialised and early mental health care.

Dr. Kareema Alraesi, Director of the Primary Healthcare Department at EHS, noted that incorporating mental health services into primary care reflects a shift towards a comprehensive health model. This approach facilitates access to specialised psychological support and integrates mental and physical health sustainably.

The initiative includes training healthcare professionals in early detection of mental disorders and effective therapeutic interventions. This investment in training enhances service quality and supports the integration of mental and physical health.

To improve therapeutic service efficiency, the initiative aims to standardise treatment protocols based on global practices. This ensures high-quality service delivery. Additionally, developing electronic mental health systems within the "Wareed" health information system will aid in better management of cases and provide accurate data for evidence-based decisions.

The launch event featured an agenda starting with an opening speech on integrating mental health with primary care services. It included an introduction to the initiative's objectives, followed by lectures and workshops on topics like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques in primary care, treating anxiety and depression across age groups, risk assessment for psychological issues, and early intervention techniques for emergencies.

The operation of these 15 clinics across six emirates will see trained family physicians providing diagnostic and therapeutic services for various psychological conditions. The initiative also involves training healthcare staff to detect disorders early through specialised workshops.

This expansion by EHS demonstrates a commitment to improving life quality by broadening access to mental health services. By developing comprehensive infrastructure, EHS provides holistic care aligned with national wellbeing strategies.

With inputs from WAM