The UAE is embedding long-term sustainability in the healthcare sector by pursuing strategic programmes and initiatives that promote resilience across the value chain,
The early findings of an upcoming white paper by TECOM Group PJSC’s science-focused ecosystem, Dubai Science Park, and EY, has found that the UAE’s healthcare sector is adopting a holistic approach, led by the principles of ESG.
Through pursuing strategic programmes and initiatives aimed at promoting resilience across the value chain, the parties involved in the paper said the UAE is “embedding long-term sustainability in the healthcare sector.”
It shared that resilience-building initiatives include workforce development, environmental consciousness, and global collaboration.
“As we stand at the nexus of healthcare and environmental stewardship, it is imperative that we acknowledge the impact our industry has on the global community,” said Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park at TECOM Group PJSC.
“Reimagining contemporary diagnostics mechanisms and the industry’s workforce across research, manufacturing, and service delivery is essential to safeguard the resilience and longevity of healthcare systems. Several facets of our industry influence the global climate and Dubai Science Park will continue to encourage collaborative innovation that promotes holistic sustainability in line with ESG principles and fosters positive climate action in the healthcare sector.”
Through strategic initiatives such as Nafis at the federal level and Dubai Health Authority’s ‘Health Talents’, the country is promoting Emiratisation, it said, with the aim of creating a robust pipeline of skilled citizens in the pharmaceutical, medical technology, and healthcare delivery sectors.
Strategic frameworks like Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and Dubai Research and Development Programme are also enabling knowledge-led sustainability innovation across the healthcare supply chain.
It shared that Dubai was recently ranked eighth in the Global Power City Index 2023, and initiatives like Golden Visas are further facilitating the entry of skilled professionals – including doctors, medical engineers, and researchers from around the world – to complement the local workforce.
Meanwhile, it noted that government programmes like the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy, which it said are spearheading an “eco-conscious transformation” of hospitals in the country.
By incorporating green building practices and renewable energy sources, the UAE, it said, is leading the way in constructing environmentally friendly healthcare facilities.
Dubai Science Park’s announcement, it noted, was followed by a special Advance Health forum moderated by Ahmed El Banna, Senior Manager of Healthcare Consulting at EY for the Middle East and North Africa region.
Advance Health panellists to discuss the intersection of sustainability and healthcare included Jamie Ireland, Senior Vice President of THB Group; Michael Schelper, Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at Caresyntax; Sameh El Fangary, Cluster President in the GCC and Pakistan for AstraZeneca; and Eng. Doaa Hamdy Serour, Corporate Environment, Health, and Safety Manager at Mediclinic Middle East.