The Abu Dhabi Health Services Co (Seha), in conjunction with Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD), Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council (ADTC) and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) have signed a deal to create a skilled and professional local work force and train jobseekers for work within the emirates’ healthcare industry.

Each entity will play a vital role and reaffirm their commitment to meeting the needs of the community with qualified, medical professionals, said a statement.

The students taking part in the programme will qualify for positions within the Seha HealthSystem hospitals and clinics in fields such as nursing, screening, laboratory and pharmacy, it said.

Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), Tauten Council will provide Seha with a list of job seekers who meet the basic requirements of admission to the programme, which HCT will provide the scientific curriculum, classrooms and all necessary equipment.

The Seha will provide the practical training for graduates and will also employ successful students in line with HAAD licensing requirements, while HAAD will provide support to students who apply for licenses by ensuring smooth processes and procedures.

Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, chairman of HAAD, said: “Health and education are at the forefront of the Abu Dhabi Government’s strategic priorities. Both of these sectors play an important role in building a healthy community that is able to keep abreast of developments in all areas.

“The integration between health and education is pivotal in creating a sustainable system to develop knowledgeable and skilled manpower within Abu Dhabi. For that reason, the agreement is important. The programme will provide education and training opportunities for the nation’s youth in an industry that has capacity for skilled professionals.”

Dr Matar Rashid Al Darmaki, acting CEO of Seha, stressed the keenness of leadership to provide job opportunities for UAE nationals by providing training to create qualified individuals who can serve the community.

“Seha’s primary function is to build a world class heath system and contribute to the health of the community and the economy of the country.  Seha aims to attract Emiratis to work in the health sector with an emphasis on creating opportunities for qualified Emiratis in medical positions such doctors, nurses and technicians.”

One of the benefits of this programme means that qualified individuals will be ready to work immediately with one of the Seha facilities, and awareness outreach campaigns will also be held to encourage students still at school to consider medical and health sciences, added Dr Al Darmaki.

Dr Tayeb Kamali, vice chancellor of HCT, said the agreement was within HCT’s strategy of supporting national entities in providing a qualified and well-trained workforce who can meet the needs of the local economy.

“Vital initiatives such as this one will allow the Higher Colleges to continue to help meet the needs of UAE economy and the community, through its Health Sciences programmes where it produces highly skilled, work-ready graduates who are ready to take on future leadership roles,” Dr Kamali said.

“This agreement reinforces HCT’s focus to provide its students with the best hands-on educational experiences across a broad range of workplace -relevant programmes, as well providing them with the skills, confidence and knowledge to thrive in modern society, where they can make a positive impact,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service