Emirates Health Services (EHS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Johnson & Johnson Middle East to strengthen collaboration towards developing more advanced health services, innovative hi-tech solutions to support the sector and boost its regional and international competitiveness.
The MoU outlines various areas of cooperation for EHS to work on with Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. and Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC. It was signed by Dr Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director-General of Emirates Health Services, and Loai Abu Elhawa, General Manager – MedTech Gulf at Johnson & Johnson.
Dr Abdulaziz Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of the Financial Sector and Support Services at EHS, Dr Kulthum Al Balushi, Chief Innovation Officer, Director of the Training and Development Centre at EHS, and Jimmy Farris, Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC were present on the occasion.
Yousif Al Serkal said, “The MoU is consistent with our plans and strategic directions at Emirates Health Services and supports our efforts to provide innovative and sustainable health services that boost efficiency across the entire health system and set the stage for more ambitious advancements in healthcare systems at the local and international levels.”
He said, “The areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement includes developing a structured educational curriculum that guarantees transfer of knowledge and allows healthcare professionals to upgrade and refine their skills through training programs and advanced digital learning tools, including simulations and virtual reality applications.”
Dr Al Zarooni said that the agreement aligns with EHS’ aspirations to advance the health services sector and foster collaboration across all medical specialties, paving the way for new accomplishments that cement the UAE healthcare sector’s leadership.
Similarly, Dr Kulthum Al Balushi said, “The outputs we look forward to from this agreement will help cement Emirates Health Services as a pioneering health authority and a leader in providing services that adhere to international best practices in the medical field and upskilling medical, nursing, and technical staff in healthcare facilities to deliver these services.”
Al Balushi said, “EHS is committed to signing more and more agreements that achieve common goals.”
Marzina Collis, Managing Director at Johnson & Johnson, applauded the new partnership with Emirates Health Services, describing EHS as one of the leading health institutions in the UAE.
“The Memorandum of Understanding will allow us to exchange expertise and work closely with outstanding healthcare professionals and use advanced technologies to help develop their skills and attract more talent to this vital sector,” she said.
The MoU specifies three main areas of collaboration, educational programs and training courses, strategic solutions programs, and public awareness programs.
The collaboration with Johnson & Johnson will set a framework for a more comprehensive data-driven partnership that aims to support hospitals and healthcare professionals, achieve better outcomes, improve patient experience, and reduce the total cost of care.
The agreement calls for collaboration to implement public awareness programs and campaigns covering various diseases, such as obesity and cancer.
The two parties will work together to launch the ‘Silent Noise Campaign’ to raise awareness about and de-stigmatize mental health conditions – focusing particularly on schizophrenia and depression.
This campaign is in line with EHS’ strategy to drive positive change and combat stereotypes associated with mental health.