The Patient and Family Advisory Council of Emirates Health Services (EHS) held its fourth session of the year to review the latest advancements in school health services and initiatives designed to enhance students' overall well-being. This effort reflects EHS’s dedication to fostering community engagement and continuously improving healthcare services to meet societal needs and aspirations, in line with the UAE leadership's vision of ensuring a safe educational environment that nurtures students' physical, mental, and emotional development.
Dr. Aisha Suhail, the Chairwoman of the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), emphasized the importance of these meetings and EHS’s dedication to achieving the highest quality standards in school health services. She highlighted the significance of community partnerships in meeting the nation’s strategy to achieve sustainable development. “We are committed to integrating patient feedback into the development process to ensure excellence and innovation in healthcare delivery,” she added.
Dr. Shamsa Lootah, Director of the Public Health Department at Emirates Health Services, underscored EHS’s efforts to develop innovative programs that provide comprehensive services to meet the diverse health needs of students. She noted, “The council plays a pivotal role in achieving these objectives by gathering valuable input from parents and discussing strategies for enhancing students’ holistic health and well-being.”
163,000 Students Enrolled in the School Health Program
The meeting also reviewed key statistics from the 2023 School Health Program, which enrolled 164,100 students across 313 public schools and vaccinated 170,000 students in collaboration with the National Immunization Program. Discussions covered future plans to further support student health, including enhancements to routine check-up programs and the launch of additional awareness campaigns focused on digital safety, proper nutrition, and immunization. These initiatives aim to encourage healthy habits and create an educational environment that fosters academic excellence.
Comprehensive Screenings, Vaccination, and Mental Health Programs
EHS also showcased its integrated school health program, “Basma”, which addresses all aspects of student healthcare. The program provides a diverse range of initiatives aimed at improving physical, mental, and social well-being as part of EHS’s efforts to establish a sustainable and healthy school environment.