May 05, 2022:  The UAE health system has exceptionally made giant strides in all medical fields and established a sophisticated healthcare system that keeps pace with the highest international standards and regulations, said HE Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).

The country’s efforts in this respect are being made in line with the National Strategy for Wellbeing and the UAE vision for the next fifty years, Al Owais added. 
Speaking on the occasion of International Day of the Midwife, which is globally observed on May 5 in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the International Confederation of Midwives, the minister stressed that the nursing cadres and midwives are the backbone of health facilities and play a vital role in supporting the entire health care systems nationwide.

“This occasion provides a great opportunity to celebrate the efforts and achievements made by midwifery cadres, share their success stories, and recognize their remarkable contributions, dedication and commitment to backing the entire healthcare system and enhancing the community’s positive view of the midwifery profession. In addition to being exceptionally able to understand the culture and customs of the UAE society, they are a source of confidence and reassurance as they provide safe care for mothers and newborns and promote the health of the family and wider society based on scientific and medical approved standards, Al Owais said. 

Recognizing the importance of this category, the UAE has launched the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery-Roadmap for 2025, which serves as a unified national framework for making strategic changes in the health care system. The strategy aims to provide support and assistance to nursing and midwifery staff and enhance their skills and competency. 

In addition to encouraging more citizens to join the profession and promoting public and specialist nursing academic programmes, the strategy also focuses on raising the quality of nursing care and midwifery services in the country by improving the quality and innovation in education and professional development, and scientific research and evidence-based practice.

The minister lauded the strenuous efforts made by all health and educational authorities working to promote Emirati students’ awareness about these disciplines, provide privileges and incentives that encourage them to join these specialities and rehabilitate specialized cadres that can support the health of both women and families. 

Al Owais emphasized that supporting Emiratis studying nursing and midwifery is one of the top priorities for the UAE government. Therefore, the Ministry of Health and Prevention offers a scholarship program for female Emirati students to study nursing and midwifery and obtain a bachelor’s degree in this particular major, which is being seen as one of the strategic medical professions that would further cement the UAE’s health security in line with the country’s future vision.