FOCP raises 2021 budget by 17% to bring more cancer patients

Among the key decisions made, one was to increase FOCP’s annual budget by 17 percent dedicated to help and support cancer patients, as the entity envisions to bring more patients within its folds of care in 2021.   

During the course of FOCP general assembly which was also attended by representatives of the UAE Ministry of Community Development, an election of the new Board was held and the annual report presented.    

The new FOCP board includes former members, namely Her Excellency Sawsan Jafar, Chairperson of the FOCP Board; Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Vice-Chairperson of the FOCP Board; Her Excellency Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, FOCP Board Secretary General; His Excellency Mohammed Juma Al Musharrakh, Board Treasurer; and Her Excellency Noha Mohammed Safar. Newly elected board members include Her Excellency Sheikha Aisha Al Qasimi; His Excellency Ibrahim Al Khayal; Her Excellency Dr. Moza Al Shehhi; Her Excellency Meera Taryam Al Shamsi; Her Excellency Khawla Al Serkal and His Excellency Dr. Omar Al Hammadi.  

FOCP’s management and financial reports of 2020, as well as the report of their external auditors, Ernest & Young, were also presented and ratified by the board members during the meeting.  

HE Sawsan Jafar said: “During our 2021 budget discussions, board members highlighted the need to expand FOCP’s support to more cancer patients in the UAE who are unable to afford high treatment costs and require moral and psychological support during their treatment. The decision to increase FOCP’s 2021 patient support budget by 17 percent in line with our objectives to reach out to as many patients and their families as possible and provide them with the needed support and follow up during treatment.  As a charitable organization our achievements are directly proportionate with the support of our patrons, partners and donors, and I would like to thank them wholeheartedly once again and reiterate that every new cancer patient whose life we touch this year has been made possible because of your compassion and generosity.”  

Jafar stressed that the new board of directors is committed to further FOCP’s vision to raise community awareness about cancer prevention and facilitate patients’ access to medical care to improve their lives. “Our mission reflects the UAE’s community spirit and aligns with the directives of HH Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, and Founder and Patron of FOCP, to promote institutional effort for cancer prevention and control,” she added. 

FOCP was founded in 1999 to provide moral and financial support to cancer patients and their families and raise awareness about the importance of early detection. The organisation has provided its services across the UAE residents of all nationalities and age groups. Donations raised by FOCP cover a broad spectrum of support including chemotherapy treatment expenses, radiation, surgical procedures and other urgent expenses during the early stages of care and treatment.