In conjunction with the ‘Year of Sustainability’ and UAE Innovation Month2023, and in line with its plans to promote innovation in the work environment, Emirates Health Services (EHS) organised the Sustainability & Innovation in HealthcareForum &Exhibition at Al Qassimi Women and Children’s Hospital in Sharjahto highlight best practices and present the latest projects that promote innovation and sustainability in the health sector.

The forum was attended by His Excellency Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director-General of EHS; H.E. Mubaraka Ibrahim, Acting Chief Information Officer at EHS;and Dr. Kalthoom AlBlooshi, Chief Innovation Officer and Director of the Training and Development Centre at EHS,along with officials and members of the EHS team and a crowd of physicians.

A sustainability-driven approach

In her opening speech, Dr. Kalthoom AlBlooshiasserted that:“Organising the forum is part of our commitment at Emirates Health Services to promoting innovation, establishing itas a workplace culture, and adopting the sustainability approach to achieve our goals for an integrated, healthy society, cementing the UAE’s position as one of the most innovative countries in the world and a leading healthcare destination that is proactively preparing for future challenges.”

AlBlooshiadded that EHS’ Innovation Strategy 2023-2026, which was launched to supports the EHS’ goals to invest in health systems,develop sustainable health innovations,ensure sustainability,and build up economic resilience. The strategy also seeks to develop the healthcare economy by advancing health services and programmes and increasing return on investment by applying innovative solutions.

Dr. AlBlooshiexplained that EHS’ strategy revolves around three pillars, the first is establishing a stimulating institutional environment that promotes a culture of innovation at every level of the organisation, builds internal capabilities, and streamlines innovation practices.The second pillar consists of adopting pilot projects by developing procedures for experimental models, applying innovation, and expanding the scope of its impact.And finally, the third pillar focuses on building partnerships to develop health innovation, supporting healthcare startups, and developing initiatives in collaboration with concerned companies.

In its innovation strategy, EHS adopts the values of proactive thinking, creating opportunities, cooperation, continuity and change, focusing on customers, and supporting entrepreneurship. The objective is to achieve leadership status in the sector by providing distinguished health services that align with the UAE’s vision and meet international standards. Emirates Health Services aimsto provide a system of sustainable, integrated, effective, and innovative health services that are accessible to all members of the UAE community, as well as visitors.

Health through Art

The forum’s agenda included an art exhibition titled ‘Health through Art’, where H.E. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal explored 19 paintings and 11 models, all made out of recycled medical supplies. A team of employees from EHS, joined by visual artist Ahmed Helouz, participated in the recycling efforts and in designing the artworks.The exhibition sought to highlight the importance of recycling medical supplies through safe disposal,by turning them into beautiful paintings and works of art, which, in turn,supports the UAE’s strategic directions for sustainability.

Sessions and panel discussions

The forum hosted with panel discussions about EHS’ Vision of Innovation &Sustainability in Healthcare, presented by Dr.Kalthoom AlBlooshi.Meanwhile,Dr. Sara Al Dallal, Specialist in Health Policies and Strategies Dubai Health Authority (DHA),joined a panel discussion titled ‘Innovation as a means to ensure sustainability in healthcare’, alongside <s. Mubaraka Ibrahim. For his part, Mr. Khaled Al-Shabrawy, Government & Smart Cities Lead at Microsoft, presented ‘Digital Solutions for HealthcareSustainability’, while Dr Osama Abou Elkhir, CEO of TachyHealthled a session on the use of artificial intelligence in the health sector.

The forum concluded with a panel discussion titled ‘PPP for Sustainability in Healthcare’,before presenting an overview of EHS’ success stories in innovative sustainable healthcare projects, with health startups and innovators present.