The UAE and Canada strengthen bilateral health education ties

All participants highlighted the significance of Canada-UAE collaboration on medical sector in the post-COVID context as a catalyst to build a resilient society.  At a time of unprecedented global uncertainty and insecurity, the forum was a timely opportunity to underscore the heroic work of healthcare professionals including doctors, the nurses and hospital technicians that are an integral part of the healthcare systems.  

Dr. Andrew Padmos, Chair, CIHEA, opened the event by stating “CIHEA member institutions in Canada were encouraged by the many healthcare, health workforce and health system opportunities presented by dynamic UAE based institutions and progressive Emirati health system leaders. We look forward to many collaborations in education, training and technologies to strengthen, enlarge and enhance the UAE health workforce to improve health outcomes and develop leadership programs and research capabilities.” 

In his open remarks, H.E. Dr. Jamal Al Kaabi, Undersecretary, Abu Dhabi Department of Health said: “Under shared vision and common goal, Abu Dhabi and Canada will work closely together to further equip the healthcare workforce with the knowledge, education and training opportunities to continue being our all-time heroes during COVID-19 and at all times. We are delighted to further strengthen our collaboration with Canada, to continue providing quality healthcare services and maintain their sustainability through exchanging knowledge and expertise in the field of healthcare.” 

In his keynote speech, Dr. Gareth Goodier, Group CEO of SEHA said “As the UAE’s largest healthcare network, SEHA is committed to fostering partnerships that enable talent development within the healthcare sector by facilitating effective knowledge sharing initiatives. We are pleased to collaborate with Canadian institutions to offer training opportunities for physicians, nurses and allied health, and empower the next generation of the UAE’s healthcare leaders.” 

Dr. Younis Kazim, CEO, Dubai Healthcare Corporation, Dubai Health Authority, also highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two countries in several fields including the medical education.  He discussed ways to explore and further enhance cooperation between the two countries in the medical field.  He added that DHA pays significant emphasis to the field of medical education and highlighted the importance of continuous medical education in the health sector to keep up-to-date with the latest healthcare advances and innovations.  

Moving to roundtables, the discussions were focused on expanding bilateral ties in medicine, nursing and allied health, as well as in health technology and innovation. 

H.E. Marcy Grossman, Ambassador of Canada to the United Arab Emirates “Canada has one of the top healthcare systems globally and an excellent medical training infrastructure that has produced some of the brightest minds in the field of medicine.  I am optimistic that many Emirati nationals will choose to train in Canadian universities and colleges and become remarkable healthcare leaders.  By working together, we build a stronger and more resilient future.” 

H.E. Fahad Al Raqbani, Ambassador of the UAE to Canada
“We are proud of our shared UAE-Canadian partnership in healthcare and look forward to further enhancing this special relationship.  We are also extremely proud of our Emirati doctors, training and serving on Canada’s front lines, and look forward to increasing these opportunities for the mutual beneficial of both countries.”