MoHAP Collaborates With WHO To Shape Future Of Healthcare Workforce Strategy

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) recently held a two-day workshop in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University. The aim was to develop a long-term strategy for the national health workforce. This initiative seeks to align with global trends and best practices, ensuring the UAE's healthcare sector remains robust and adaptable.

Experts from various health and academic institutions gathered to discuss key findings about the current state of the healthcare workforce. They exchanged ideas, set priorities, and shaped policies to tackle present challenges while exploring future opportunities. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the healthcare sector.

The workshop included a presentation by WHO on health workforce strategies. It analysed the UAE’s healthcare labour market, identifying challenges and opportunities in workforce development. An open discussion explored current career pathways for health professionals, focusing on ways to enhance them to meet future demands.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Public Health Sector at MoHAP, highlighted that the workshop aimed to create a strategic framework for a skilled health workforce across various medical fields. He stated, "The ministry is committed to establishing a national health workforce strategy that keeps pace with rapid developments in healthcare while reinforcing the long-term sustainability of health services in the country."

The initiative also focuses on empowering national talent to lead and sustain the sector. Dr. Al Rand emphasised that attracting top talent is crucial for building a future-ready workforce capable of delivering proactive, interconnected, and data-driven healthcare services. He said, "A strong healthcare sector starts with people who feel valued and supported."

Participants outlined a vision for future career paths in healthcare, covering academic studies, vocational training, licensing, and employment. They explored strategies to align workforce development with broader objectives while reviewing performance indicators and timelines for implementing these strategies.

Integrating Technology in Healthcare

Dr. Taiba Mohammed Al-Awadi, Director of Planning and Health Economics at MoHAP, noted that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare. She stressed that modern technology is essential in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care but emphasised that professionals remain central to applying these innovations effectively.

Al-Awadi highlighted that simply adopting new tools isn't enough; healthcare professionals must build digital skills to integrate innovations into daily practice effectively. She mentioned that this workshop equips professionals with confidence and knowledge to navigate emerging technologies for more precise patient-centred care.

This gathering supports MoHAP's efforts to strengthen workforce planning and build a future-ready healthcare system aligned with global advancements. The initiative aims not only to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals but also contributes towards achieving the UAE Centennial 2071 vision of a healthier community.

With inputs from WAM