Lifecare Hospital, Baniyas' humanitarian health campaigns for blue collared workers have earned it the prestigious JCI accreditation

Abu Dhabi - UAE: 28th December, 2015: In keeping with its consistent commitment to spreading awareness about life threatening diseases among blue collared workers and lower income groups, Lifecare Hospital carried out several important CSR initiatives, which have made quite an impact  by saving lives and providing a much-needed lifeline to the poorest sections of the community.

The initiatives, which included antismoking, diabetes and cardiac health campaigns, have earned the hospital the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, which is a gold standard when it comes to global health care. This milestone is a huge step for the hospital considering JCI is a world leader in health care accreditation and the author and evaluator of the most rigorous international standards in quality and patient safety.

“The hospital has been tirelessly engaged, through various campaigns, in spreading knowledge about life-threatening diseases that are commonly seen among workers and the most economically challenged members of our society. The campaigns also offer quality health care to patients who can least afford it. This significant JCI accreditation recognises the high standard of medical care we offer our patients, and will continue to guide the quality of health campaigns we offer,” said Dr. Arun Menon, Director of Operations, Lifecare Hospital, Baniyas.

The hospital has carried out several successful CSR campaigns through the year starting with the ‘Quit Smoking - Step up in Life’ campaign, which ran from January to April.  Several activities including nicotine weaning treatment, yoga, counseling sessions and nicotine testing were offered to almost 300 people of whom 65 people successfully quit smoking as a result.

Lifecare’s ‘Step up in Life - Diabetes’ campaign, which was held in May, was another important initiative to spread awareness about the dangers related to diabetes. The hospital also launched the Diabetes Club to help improve the lives of diabetic patients. Members benefitted by getting periodic and walk-in checkups, awareness sessions, physical training and diabetic iftars during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Several campaigns were carried out during Ramadan in keeping with the spirit of community service. These included free dental checkups and treatment; an important gesture of goodwill since dental treatment is not covered by most insurance providers. In addition, the hospital identified one patient who did not have insurance coverage and treated him completely free of charge during Ramadan. This treatment included complimentary surgeries, lab tests, ultrasound and CT scans. Lifecare hospital also distributed free food packets at various workers villages for the residents to break their fast during iftar.

The hospital was also actively involved in a fund raising program organized in collaboration with the Catholic Church, Abu Dhabi, and sponsored an event to help raise funds for flood victims.

In September, a blood donation drive in association with Abu Dhabi Blood Bank and the campaign on World Heart Day were organised by the hospital. The second initiative offered free cholesterol and blood pressure checkups for people from various worker villages.  A painting competition was also organized at Abu Dhabi Indian School to increase awareness among children on the importance of healthy heart and lifestyle.

In October, Lifecare conducted an antismoking and cardiac care initiative for the staff at Abu Dhabi National Hotels. Workers were offered complimentary tests including random blood sugar, blood pressure and BMI check-ups as part of the initiative as well as nicotine weaning therapy for chronic smokers. All the workers present were also given awareness brochures with health tips and one-on-one counselling sessions on nutrition.

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day on November 14, the hospital conducted free blood sugar checkup for labourers in 10 different camps sites. More than 1,500 people were screened to identify diabetes of which 281 patients were diagnosed with the condition. These patients were counselled on the ‘Living with diabetes’ program, issued cards ‘Diabetes Club Membership’ cards, and offered consultations with doctors.

Initiatives such as these highlight Lifecare Hospital, Baniyas’ efforts in supporting the community and its position in honouring the right to healthcare to all people as its prime objective.