On the occasion of the World Arthritis Day which falls on October 12 every year, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) organized awareness events and free checkups, with the aims of raising the community awareness about symptoms and causes of arthritis and ways of prevention, and adopting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging the early detection of arthritis, in addition to shedding light on ‘Naselkom’ initiative for treatment of patients using telemedicine system.
Held at Etihad Mall, Dubai, the activities included musculoskeletal ultrasound, A bone-density test, examination of the body's components of salts, fats and fluids through an analytical device, in the presence of a rheumatologist, nutritionist, and physiotherapist. Also, the events included recreational activities for children and handing out awareness brochures on arthritis and rheumatoid.
Telemedicine System Between Specialized and Community Hospitals
H.E. Dr. Yousif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the Hospitals Sector, highlighted the importance of these activities to raise community awareness about arthritis and to communicate directly with the individuals to learn more about the symptoms of the disease and ways of prevention, in addition to guiding them to visit the specialized clinics to receive the proper treatment.
Al Serkal shed light on ‘Naselkom’ initiative launched by MoHAP in 2018, with the aim of providing treatment services for rheumatology and arthritis using the telemedicine system and reducing the waiting period for patients.
This would help improve patient’s experience and follow-up as per the plan set by the medical team, thus reducing the complications of these diseases.
“Naselkom initiative is part of MoHAP’s comprehensive plan to incorporate 100% artificial intelligence (AI) into medical services, in pursuance of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy and as part of MoHAP’s strategy to provide comprehensive, integrated and fair healthcare services, in addition to building quality and safety for therapeutic, healthcare and pharmaceutical systems according to international standards,” added Al Serkal.
Five Arthritis Specialized Clinics
Dr. Kalthoum Al Baloushi, Director of MoHAP’s Hospitals Administration, said: “The event aims at spreading awareness among the community members about arthritis diseases, showcasing MoHAP’s services in terms of diagnostic procedures and early detection through mobile clinics in health centers, and the follow up phase through telemedicine system between central hospitals and public hospitals.”
Al Baloushi pointed to the availability of five arthritis specialized clinics in Al Qasimi Hospital, Umm Al Quwain Hospital, Fujairah Hospital and Obaidullah Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, Kuwait Hospital in Dubai.
Mobile Clinics to Boost the Early Diagnosis
Dr. Suad Hannawi, Chairman of the Rheumatology Committee, MoHAP, said: “Naselkom initiative aims to diagnose arthritis in early stages to avoid undesirable complications. In addition, the initiative includes launching mobile clinics equipped with ultrasound and modern laboratory devices to promote early diagnosis of rheumatic diseases. The initiative also features training physicians to increase their specialized competencies, using telemedicine technology, and spreading community awareness about rheumatism.”
She added: “Rheumatic arthritis is a relatively common disease. The body's immune system fights the internal organs, thinking that they are foreign bodies. The common symptoms are fatigue, stress, anemia, headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis. Rheumatic diseases are not only affecting the musculoskeletal system, but also other the nervous system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, eyes, skin, and other organs.”
“Hence the need to raise people’s awareness on rheumatic diseases and the need for early diagnosis and treatment to control the disease and avoid complications,” added Hannawi.