Australian state Victoria’s links with the UAE have been boosted by a new health education services agreement between the Fatima College of Health Sciences in Abu Dhabi and Monash University.

The five-year agreement will see the Monash University Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences and Fatima College offer Emirati students four Bachelor level courses in Allied Health, one of the UAE’s priority health sectors, said Victoria’s Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher.

Present at the signing, along with Asher, were Shane Thomas, deputy dean, International Faculty of Medicine at Monash University and Dr Abdullatif Al Shamsi, managing director, Institute of Applied Technology.

Monash University will provide a detailed academic curriculum, planning and governance frameworks. Five permanently based staff will deliver programs at Fatima College’s Abu Dhabi campus.

The four undergraduate programs are in Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging, Pharmacy and Emergency Health (Paramedic) and students completing their Bachelor degree will have the opportunity to undertake either a Masters degree or PHD in Melbourne.

Speaking at the agreement signing, Asher said it would deliver increased career opportunities for young women in the UAE while further strengthening Victoria’s relationship with the region.

“This partnership brings together Monash’s academic excellence and focus on developing future health care leaders with Fatima College’s new state-of-the-art facility and commitment to providing world-best health care training for the UAE,” Asher said.

“It builds on a range of existing business, tourism and education links between Victoria and the UAE and sets the stage for further joint ventures between us in education, health and professional services.

“This partnership came about as the result of initial introductions and ongoing facilitation by our Victorian Government Business Office in Dubai and our Commissioner to the Middle East and North Africa, John Butler.

 “The Victorian Government wants to see more outcomes like this, where Victoria’s capabilities are matched with local needs and demands for mutual benefit,” she said.

Asher is in the UAE, leading Victoria’s – and Australia’s - largest ever trade mission to the Middle East. It includes more than 100 Victorian companies and organisations in areas such as food and beverage, agribusiness, professional services, infrastructure and water management.

“I look forward to this super trade mission generating more partnerships like the one that is being signed today,” she said. – TradeArabia News Service