Emirates NBD, the largest banking group in the Middle East in terms of assets, is hosting two consecutive medical screening events in co-ordination with the UAE Genetic Diseases Association (GDA).

This is in line with Emirates NBD’s commitment to raising awareness about health concerns in the UAE, said a statement from the bank.

The event will give both Emirates NBD customers and employees in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain the opportunity to have free screening for inherited blood disorders such as Thalassemia, which is said to effect 1 in 12 people in the UAE.

"Thalassemia and other genetic disorders are a major concern in the UAE," said Abdulelah Al Kindy, head of Retail Banking, Abu Dhabi region, Emirates NBD, "but they can easily be prevented with a simple blood test."

"At Emirates NBD, we strive to educate our customers and employees to make informed choices that will benefit them in all aspects of their lives. Our screening event in Abu Dhabi received a good response from all attendees, many of whom were not aware of the dangers genetic blood disorders can pose," he added.

The Al Ain screening event will be held from 9am to 2pm tomorrow (Wednesday) at Emirates NBD main branch.

Dr Maryam Matar, founder and executive director of GDA, said the association has been able to considerably reduce the impact of common genetic disorders prevalent in the country, through its community outreach programs, health education, counseling and free screening tests.

“GDA now has a genetic clinic and a state-of-the-art screening facility, supervised by internationally renowned experts, and with introduction of mobile units, screening has been extended to remote areas and corporate groups,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service