The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) presided over the National Committee workshop for the National Indicators of Cardiovascular Diseases, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Hospitals Sector and Chairman of the Executive Committee of National Indicators of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dr. Mona Al Kuwari, Director of the Specialized Healthcare Department, along with other representatives from Prime Minister's Office, Dubai Health Authority, Abu Dhabi Health Department, Sharjah Health Authority, National Ambulance, Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital (SKSH), American Heart Association, Emirates Cardiac Society (ECS), Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in addition to representatives from private health hospitals and Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company.
Challenges Analysis and National Policy Plan for Cardiac Care
In this regard, Dr. Yousif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Hospitals Sector, emphasized the importance of the meeting of the National Committee of National Indicators of Cardiovascular Diseases, as part of the joint efforts to achieve the health objectives of the National Agenda for UAE Vision 2021.
The workshop featured conducting an analysis of challenges that confront the awareness campaigns, early detection programmes, screening of cardiovascular diseases, palliative care services and review of the unified operational plan.
In addition to that, the participants discussed the development of a national policy plan for emergency cardiovascular care services, which includes the best comprehensive clinical practices from ambulance practices down to hospital arrival. Also, the workshop shed light on preparing a national record for cardiovascular diseases and issuing an annual report in this regard.
Adoption of “Cardiovascular-friendly Workplace” Programme
Dr. Al Serkal pointed out that the meeting has tackled the development of a plan for issuing national standards for licensing and accrediting the centers and hospitals which provide cardiovascular care services, in addition to creating a joint plan between the medical facilities and ambulance services, for training on the practices and skills of emergency cardiovascular care.
Furthermore, the workshop touched on the adoption of “Cardiovascular-friendly Workplace” Programme in government corporations and private companies, as well as infrastructure development.
The meeting agenda also included qualifying the specialized medical and nursing personnel, and cardiovascular diseases regular screening according to unified standards across the country, besides developing a smart application for risk factors.
Screening of Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)
Al Serkal pointed to the national programmes launched by MoHAP. These programmes serve the cardiovascular diseases national indicators, in association with the competent authorities, including an early screening of Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) for all newborns, by using Artificial Intelligence techniques.
“The service is currently provided at 9 hospitals which deliver maternity services in 5 Emirates. The coverage of the programme includes 50% of the population. The early screening takes 3 minutes by using the latest global devices. A total of 5,877 students have been diagnosed since the launch of the programme in August 2018, with a compliance rate of 98.5 percent” said Al Serkal.
“Heart Experts” & “Safe Hearts” Programmes
“Heart Experts” programme, which has recently concluded its third phase, aims to achieve the National Indicators for the reduction of mortality due to cardiovascular disease, by selecting groups of students to serve as awareness ambassadors for cardiovascular health in their schools, neighborhood and the local community to disseminate and promote concepts and practices supporting cardiovascular health.
While “Safe Hearts” programme targets students in the primary stages and provides early detection services for cardiac-related risk factors. The programme will be carried out in all schools and universities across the country and will be running until the end of 2021.
All of these initiatives aim to promote a supportive environment for cardiovascular health in schools.