Emirates Health Services (EHS) and Pfizer Gulf FZ LLC signed a joint cooperation memorandum to launch the "A Healthy Physique: We Start Growing in Schools" initiative. The two entities will create a digital data platform for students registered in school clinics.
The memorandum was signed by Dr. Yousef Mohammed Al Serkal, Director-General, EHS; Dr. Sumaya Mohammed Al Blooshi. Director of Nursing; Dr. Shamsa Lootah, Director of Public Health Services Department- representing EHS, and Dr. Yasser El Dershaby, Vice President, Regional Medical Lead MERA at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Parmjot Bains, Gulf Cluster Country Manager at Pfizer Gulf.
Proactive Preventive Care
The agreement aims to raise the awareness of school nurses about developmental disabilities and the need to monitor student growth, by measuring height and weight, in accordance with the laws and procedures regulated by UAE authorities. This data will help identify growth problems and predict any health issues in students, complement EHS’ efforts to promote health within educational environments, and achieve its endeavour to establish a healthy and safe educational society, in line with national plans to promote student health.
Dr. Issam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Services Sector at EHS emphasised the importance of the memorandum and the role it plays in reinforcing joint efforts in advancing health levels in educational environments through an innovative digital platform. Dr Al Zarooni said that EHS endeavours to foster effective strategic partnerships that lead to the achievement of its objectives, contribute to conveying its mission and values, and enhance the quality of life.
Dr. Al Zarooni said the creation of the platform is part of EHS’ preventive and proactive approach to enhancing healthcare quality for all segments of the society. He stressed that school environments are key areas of focus for EHS to promote preventive health care through follow-up and analysing relevant data, thereby reducing the risk of rare diseases and obesity risks.
The terms of the agreement stipulate that Pfizer Gulf shall provide financial support for the creation of the digital platform that meets all technical requirements set by EHS, and provide the necessary training, such as workshops and relevant courses.
Dr. Yasser El Dershaby, Vice President and Regional Medical Lead MERA at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, said: "We are pleased to conclude this partnership with Emirates Health Services to support national endeavours. Under the ‘A Healthy Physique: We Start Growing in Schools’ initiative, the Services will measure students’ height and weight within the primary health care framework. This will advance school healthcare systems, raise awareness about developmental disabilities and obesity risks, and provide training on the latest practices and tests, through an innovative digital platform for data extraction and analysis."