Health

The health authority in Abu Dhabi continues to implement sector reforms, with a new seven-point health strategy that is aimed at addressing the most critical issues faced by patients and medical professionals in the emirate. An increasing emphasis on preventative care, emergency preparedness and further expansion of specialty care are expected to bolster health indicators moving forward. Indeed, since 2013 specialty gaps have reduced markedly, with the number of emergency physicians growing by 20%, a 41% rise in neonatologists and 21% more paediatric and orthopaedic doctors. Numbers of critical care doctors have jumped by 14%. Meanwhile, the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi is currently working to increase the number of Emirati health care workers, while ongoing partnerships with the private sector are bolstering professional training for existing staff. This chapter contains an interview with Dr Maha Barakat, Director-General, Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD).