The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) announced the launch of “Smart Health Track”, a new smart services initiative in collaboration with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs- Dubai (GDRFA). This came within the framework of MOHAP participation at the Arab Health Exhibition & Congress 2019 held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 28-31 January.
According to MOHAP and GDRFA, Smart Gates at Dubai Airports will be equipped with thermal cameras capable of detecting passengers’ body temperature by scanning their face and body thermal print. Data collected in addition to passengers details will be registered in a shared database allowing MOHAP access to passengers’ data, which will be used when these passengers visit any hospital in the UAE. This new procedure will help reduce check-in time at hospitals. Further, dedicated medical teams will be deployed at Dubai Airports to provide necessary first aid in emergency cases.
Enhanced Electronic and Smart Services
Commenting on launching the new project, Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri Director General, GDRFA Dubai said: “our collaboration with MOHAP supports the realization of the strategic objectives of providing enhanced smart and electronic services. It also follows our wise leadership’s directives that aim to enhance collaboration among all government entities through electronic channels.” He also pointed out that exchanging passengers’ health data with MOHAP will increase health service efficiency by reducing paper work and other administrative processes.
Project Follows Government Excellence Systems
For his part, H.E. Dr. Mohammad Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention highlighted the importance of the Smart Health Track. He noted that it falls within the framework of MOHAP efforts to develop smart services that provide excellent services and realizes smart transformation indicators. These efforts follow the Government Excellence System and Smart Government Initiative.
Al Olama also highlighted that the new initiative enhances sustainable development, and helps building a knowledge-based economy, in line with the plans of UAE Vision 2021.
Enhanced privacy and data security
H.E. Dr. Al Olama explained that while the project facilitates data exchange, it guarantees highest levels of privacy and data security. Strict security policies and measures are implemented at hospitals and clinics to insure confidential handling of all data.
Through this project, MOHAP aims to enhance health care services according to best international standards. This is achieved by allowing justifiable access of medical staff at hospitals and clinics after receiving necessary training on the system and security issues.