Emiratisation is the process of increasing the participation of Emirati nationals in the workforce of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The country has made significant efforts to increase Emiratisation in various sectors, including healthcare. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of Emiratisation in the healthcare sector.
Improved healthcare access for Emirati citizens
Emiratisation in healthcare ensures that Emirati nationals have greater access to healthcare services. This is because Emirati healthcare professionals are more likely to understand the cultural and linguistic needs of Emirati patients, leading to better communication and understanding between patients and healthcare providers. In addition, Emirati healthcare professionals are more likely to have an understanding of local customs and traditions, which can be important in delivering culturally sensitive care.
Enhanced quality of care
Emiratisation in healthcare can lead to an enhanced quality of care. Emirati healthcare professionals are more likely to have a deeper understanding of the needs and expectations of Emirati patients, leading to more patient-centered care. In addition, Emirati healthcare professionals may have a better understanding of local diseases and health concerns, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment plans.
Improved healthcare outcomes
Emiratisation in healthcare can also lead to improved healthcare outcomes. Emirati healthcare professionals are more likely to have a better understanding of the social and cultural determinants of health in the UAE, leading to better prevention and management of chronic diseases. In addition, Emirati healthcare professionals may be more effective in promoting healthy behaviors among Emirati patients, leading to improved overall health outcomes.
Economic benefits
Emiratisation in healthcare can also have economic benefits. By increasing the number of Emirati healthcare professionals, the UAE can reduce its reliance on expatriate healthcare professionals, which can be expensive. In addition, Emirati healthcare professionals are more likely to stay in the UAE long-term, reducing the need for continuous recruitment and training of new staff.
Improved national security
Emiratisation in healthcare can also have implications for national security. By increasing the number of Emirati healthcare professionals, the UAE can increase its ability to respond to public health emergencies and crises, such as pandemics or natural disasters. In addition, Emirati healthcare professionals are more likely to have security clearance and can help maintain the security of the healthcare system.
Career development opportunities for Emirati nationals
Emiratisation in healthcare also provides career development opportunities for Emirati nationals. By increasing the number of Emirati healthcare professionals, the UAE can provide more opportunities for Emirati nationals to enter the healthcare sector and develop their skills and expertise. This can lead to improved job satisfaction and higher retention rates among Emirati healthcare professionals.
Enhanced national identity
Emiratisation in healthcare can also enhance the national identity of Emirati citizens. By increasing the number of Emirati healthcare professionals, the UAE can promote a sense of national pride and identity among Emirati citizens. In addition, Emirati healthcare professionals can serve as role models and inspire younger Emiratis to pursue careers in healthcare.
Emiratisation in healthcare has numerous benefits for the UAE, including improved healthcare access, enhanced quality of care, improved healthcare outcomes, economic benefits, improved national security, career development opportunities for Emirati nationals, and enhanced national identity. The UAE has made significant efforts to increase Emiratisation in healthcare, and these efforts should continue in order to ensure a sustainable and effective healthcare system that meets the needs of all Emirati citizens.
To further promote Emiratisation in the healthcare sector, the UAE government has implemented several initiatives, such as the National Health Workforce Accounts and the National Health Workforce Observatory. These initiatives aim to improve the monitoring and evaluation of the healthcare workforce and to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
In addition, the UAE government has established several healthcare training programs and scholarships for Emirati nationals to encourage them to pursue careers in healthcare. These programs provide Emirati students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the healthcare workforce and make a positive impact on the healthcare system.
Furthermore, the UAE government has implemented several policies to support the retention of Emirati healthcare professionals. For example, the government has introduced a salary increase policy for Emirati healthcare professionals working in the public sector, as well as other incentives such as housing allowances and professional development opportunities.
Despite these efforts, there are still challenges to increasing Emiratisation in the healthcare sector. One of the main challenges is the shortage of Emirati healthcare professionals in certain specialties, such as nursing and allied health. To address this challenge, the UAE government has launched several initiatives to attract Emirati nationals to these fields, such as the National Nursing and Midwifery Strategy and the National Allied Health Strategy.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness among Emirati students about healthcare careers. To address this, the UAE government has launched awareness campaigns in schools and universities to promote healthcare careers and encourage Emirati students to consider healthcare as a viable career option.
In conclusion, Emiratisation in healthcare has numerous benefits for the UAE, and the government has made significant efforts to increase Emiratisation in the healthcare sector. However, there are still challenges to be addressed in order to ensure a sustainable and effective healthcare system that meets the needs of all Emirati citizens. By continuing to invest in Emirati healthcare professionals and promoting healthcare careers among Emirati students, the UAE can further enhance the quality of its healthcare system and improve the health outcomes of its citizens.
