UAE’s Ministry of Health has signed a deal with telecom operators Etisalat and du, to deliver sustainable mobile health products and services, said a report.

It is a part of a wider m-Health programme across the country, particularly to support patients with diabetes or those at risk of diabetes, and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, said the report by UAE news agency WAM.

The two-year deal will see all parties work together to develop mutually beneficial, viable and sustainable mobile health products and services related to health and wellness.

It will include obesity control, cancer, diabetes and patient health education, remote patient diagnosis and monitoring, tele-health and medical video conferencing and further programmes that promote a healthier lifestyle, said the report.

"The country is facing a major public health challenge with non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, and this partnership represents our commitment to fight these diseases by delivering high quality mobile health services to all Emiratis and expats regardless of location," Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Health, was quoted as saying.

Alex Sinclair, chief technology officer of GSMA, said: "Mobile health solutions can dramatically improve patient care by allowing doctors to reach diabetes patients regardless of location with targeted health education and empower diabetes patients to better manage their own health.”

As part of the agreement, the GSMA will provide support to the project, utilising the expertise it has gained through working with international service providers and implementing best practices in the fields of health, education and transport, he added.