A high-level delegation from the UAE Ministry of Health (MoH) headed by its Undersecretary, His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Mohamed Salim Al Olama, completed its visit to Malaysia. During the trip, the UAE delegation was met by their counterparts from the Malaysian Ministry of Health, which was led by Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hilmi Yahya and joined by representatives from the public and private sector, universities and scientific research organizations. The meeting saw the discussion on how the two countries can reinforce their ties and increase cooperation in the health sector—facilitating smoother exchange of information and experiences, implementing shared training and rehabilitation programs and developing benchmark medical practices and forms of treatment. 

Joining the MoH Undersecretary were H.E. Dr. Nasser Khalifa Al Budoor, Assistant Undersecretary, MoH and Director of Dubai Medical District; Dr. Issa Al Mansouri, Director of International Organizations Department and Director, Undersecretary’s Office, MoH and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Hamoudi, Director of Fujairah Medical Zone.

The meeting also included talks on the exchange of visiting physicians between both countries, which is expected to help harness the expertise of these medical specialists in key areas of surgery and epidemiological research. Also discussed were potential initiatives like the implementation of health surveys and the establishment of more medical research centres to help train doctors in using the latest medical technologies and innovations.  

Undersecretary Al Olama shared that the visit to Malaysia falls in line with the Ministry's commitment towards innovation and the move to improve institutional performance. He added that the efforts of the MoH to reinforce ties with Malaysia is posed to enrich investment in human resources via the exchange of expertise and hosting of industry-relevant training and academic programs. 

Both parties also reviewed the current challenges of sustainability and cooperation in the training of medical professionals in essential operational aspects like hospital management, clinical procedures, scientific research and nursing. The MoH Undersecretary also lauded Malaysia's health industry and expressed the UAE's willingness to include it in its list of recommended countries for their 'Treatment abroad' initiative.   

In response, the Malaysian delegation identified strategic opportunities for joint cooperation between the two countries. The group also explained the relevant role of the Malaysian Council of Medical Tourism (MHTC) for the development and growth of their health care segment. According to the 2013 Global Retirement Index report, Malaysia was ranked among the top three international destinations preferred to retire. The country also ranked first in the Health Care Category Index, which is widely attributed for its high number of qualified medical professionals and affordable medical treatment and consulting fees.   

The Malaysian group also shared the efforts of their government to further promote the adoption of improved treatment services, safety standards and to also provide high quality medical services, especially in the case of complex treatments like cosmetic surgery, robotic surgery, cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, weight control, fertility, neurosurgery, cancer treatment & research, therapeutic and natural health.