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Present at the session were His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz bin Batti Al Muhairi, Member of the Executive Council of Sharjah and Chairman of the Health Authority, Her Excellency Amal Ahmed Al Qatari, Director of the Authority, along with their assistants from various departments within the Authority.
The Secretary-General of the Council, Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, then introduced the topic of the session, saying: "The Sharjah Health Authority was established by Emiri Decree No. 12 of 2010, issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This marked a significant step in enhancing the healthcare sector in the Emirate. The establishment of the Authority reflects His Highness’s vision and his strong commitment to providing a decent life and welfare for the citizens, with a focus on developing healthcare services in line with the highest global standards. His Highness has granted the Authority all necessary powers and budgets to achieve its ambitious goals, ensuring its capacity to fulfil its role as the leading healthcare institution. Given its importance, the petitioners wish to discuss the Authority, for the benefit of the public good."
Following this, His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz bin Batti Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, addressed the Council: "Firstly, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to you and the esteemed members of this Council, on behalf of the Sharjah Health Authority, for your continued support of our work, which translates the insightful vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. This support has been the major driving force behind our efforts to develop healthcare services in Sharjah."
He continued to discuss the Authority's policies and services, highlighting its vital role in providing health insurance services and attracting health investments in Sharjah Health City. Dr. Abdulaziz also reviewed the Authority's achievements and its ongoing pursuit of sustainable development for healthcare services, aiming to strengthen the medical system’s capacity to meet the needs of the community.
Following the presentation, twenty-two members raised their questions and inquiries. Dr. Hend Saleh Al Hajiri, in her first intervention, asked about the Authority’s progress in formulating its organisational structure. She inquired about Article 4 of the Decree establishing the Authority, specifically regarding the procedures for licensing doctors and technicians and when the Authority will begin supervising and licensing the private healthcare sector, including hospitals and medical clinics.
Issa Abdul Rahim Al Zarouni asked about the Health Authority's plans to attract new medical facilities and expand Sharjah Health City, aligning with the Emirate's direction to invest in the healthcare sector and enhance the city's standing as a health hub, while creating opportunities for global hospitals and specialised medical service providers.
Al Zarouni also inquired about the Authority’s efforts to recruit and employ Emirati doctors and technicians to enhance localisation in the healthcare sector, and the mechanisms in place to attract qualified national talents directly through appropriate incentives and a competitive salary structure that ensures the stability and sustainability of the national workforce in this critical sector.
He also addressed the importance of supporting the national workforce in both the medical and nursing fields within the Sharjah government, and asked about the Authority’s plans to reassess the conditions of these personnel, including improving salaries and financial allowances, in line with localisation and development plans, in coordination with the Department of Human Resources and the Finance Department.
Dr. Rukia Rashid Al Zaabi raised several important inquiries during the session, starting with His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah’s directive to establish new government-run hospitals in the Eastern and Central regions, or to open branches of the University Hospital equipped with emergency departments for accident management. She asked about the plans and steps the Sharjah Health Authority has undertaken to implement these directives, as well as the expected timeline for these crucial projects aimed at enhancing healthcare services and providing comprehensive medical care to the residents of these areas.
Al Zaabi also touched upon the community’s need for specialised dental services, asking about the Authority’s plans to establish dedicated dental clinics within the new hospitals. She questioned how these clinics would help meet the residents' needs while ensuring the highest medical standards. Furthermore, she inquired about the Sharjah Health Authority's coordination with the Ministry of Health to develop and equip specialised intensive care units for stroke and severe neurological conditions in hospitals across the Eastern region.
Ahmad Salem Al Ketbi inquired about the Sharjah Health Authority’s role in reviewing cases that require treatment abroad, particularly urgent or critical cases needing immediate medical intervention unavailable in the country. He questioned how the Authority coordinates with the Sharjah Ruler’s Court to expedite decision-making and provide appropriate healthcare for citizens in such cases.
Additionally, Al Ketbi asked about the policies and programmes the Authority adopts to ensure comprehensive healthcare for the elderly, including specialised clinics, home medical follow-up programmes, and the provision of necessary medications and health supplies, in line with the Sharjah Ruler’s focus on elderly care.
Al Ketbi also asked about the coordination between the Sharjah Health Authority and the UAE Health Foundation regarding extending operating hours of health centres in the Central region, particularly in Mleiha and Al Batayeh, so that these centres operate around the clock, every day of the week. He inquired about the steps the Authority is taking to ensure these centres meet the community’s needs with sustainable services.
Khalfan Saif Al Massaferi raised the issue of whether there are plans for the Sharjah Health Authority to bring all medical and nursing staff from various government departments and authorities under its umbrella.
Ali Salem Al Shamsi asked about the Sharjah Health Authority’s role in overseeing University Hospital, the Dental Hospital, and private or charitable clinics to ensure the delivery of high-quality medical services. He inquired about the mechanisms the Authority employs to regularly evaluate and monitor the performance of these institutions, ensuring they meet the highest healthcare standards.
Sheikha Ali Al Naqbi raised several queries regarding the Sharjah Health Authority’s strategy for forming partnerships with academic and specialist institutions to develop and implement training plans in the medical field, including the application of scientific research. She asked how this would enhance the quality of healthcare in the Emirate, and whether the Authority has plans to establish a research centre for medical studies and therapeutic research. She also questioned how this initiative would improve healthcare services and keep the medical sector updated with the latest treatment and prevention developments. Furthermore, she inquired about the ongoing collaboration between the Sharjah Health Authority and the University of Sharjah’s College of Medicine to advance medical research and academic training, asking how coordination between the two institutions can be enhanced to better develop medical competencies in the Emirate.
Sheikha Ali also asked about the mechanisms the Authority uses to train medical students from the College of Medicine, Dentistry, and Physiotherapy, and how training programmes are structured to provide a practical learning environment that prepares students for professional practice.
Dr. Ahmed Saleh Al Naqbi asked about the Sharjah Health Authority’s role in supporting or overseeing the rehabilitation centre under the Sharjah Police General Command. He inquired whether there is collaboration between the Authority and the centre to ensure integrated healthcare and rehabilitation services for its members, and how coordination takes place to provide the highest levels of care for this group.
Abdullah Bin Taresh Al Kaabi asked about the Sharjah Health Authority’s efforts to support and develop medical tourism in the Emirate. He inquired whether there are plans to allocate land for the construction of hotels and supporting facilities to enhance Sharjah’s position as a leading medical tourism hub in the region.
He also questioned the Authority’s participation in international health and medical exhibitions, asking how these engagements help the Authority stay updated on the latest global innovations and experiences in the healthcare sector, benefiting the Emirate’s services.
Obaid Ahmed Al Naqbi raised multiple queries, starting with the Sharjah Health Authority’s strategic plans to ensure the sustainability of healthcare in the Emirate. He asked about the Authority’s mechanisms for forecasting medical staff requirements and planning for future needs.
He also inquired about the Authority’s actions to increase hospital and clinic bed capacity, and what measures are in place to expand these services in line with expected demand, in coordination with the Department of Statistics to ensure effective and sustainable planning for the community’s future healthcare needs.
Majed Ahmed Al Darwishi Al Shamsi asked about the coordination between the Sharjah Health Authority and the Emirates Health Services Authority regarding sick leave certifications. He questioned why the Authority still verifies medical leave, even though it has already been certified by the Emirates Health Services Authority, and whether this procedure is necessary to align with local regulatory standards.
He also inquired about the process of awarding health insurance contracts in Sharjah, asking about the steps followed in the selection process and how the Authority monitors the performance of insurance companies to ensure they provide healthcare services according to required standards and protect patients’ rights.
Obaid Issa Al Mazmi raised concerns about the Sharjah Health Authority’s effective use of its legal framework in inspecting licensed healthcare establishments. He asked whether the Authority has activated judicial control to enforce health standards and what challenges it faces in this area, such as the need for additional personnel or the necessary equipment for effective inspections. He also proposed forming a committee to address medical errors in the Emirate.
Tariq Mirza Al Balushi inquired about the growing number of medical facilities in Sharjah. He asked if the Sharjah Health Authority has a plan to create an independent administrative body dedicated to managing and coordinating medical institutions to improve the efficiency and development of healthcare services, aligning them with the rapid growth of the sector.
Vice-Chairperson Halima Hamid Al Owais raised a question about the possibility of the Sharjah Health Authority collaborating with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, given their success in developing industrial areas with integrated infrastructure. She inquired if the Authority could invest in land in these areas to build clinics and hospitals to meet the needs of workers there, and what plans are in place to ensure comprehensive medical services to enhance healthcare within these vital industrial zones.
Rashed Saleh Al Hammadi, in his intervention, called for encouraging investment in the healthcare sector in the Emirate by asking: “Is there a plan to grant land to investors rent-free for up to 8 years to encourage them to establish new hospitals and clinics, thus contributing to the development of healthcare services and enhancing the Emirate’s attractiveness for medical investments?”
He further inquired: “With the continuous increase in the number of beneficiaries of the government health insurance system, which currently includes 131,695 employees and retirees, a number that grows annually due to the generosity of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, what plans does the Authority have to attract more hospitals and clinics to meet the needs of this growing group? This expansion will also indirectly contribute to the development of other sectors such as airports, ports, urban development, and provide job opportunities for national university graduates.”
Al Hammadi also raised a concern regarding the population growth and urban expansion in the areas of Al Soyuh and Al Rahmania, where the number of residential units exceeds 8,000 in each area. He asked: “What are the Authority’s plans to establish new health centres to meet the needs of these areas, especially given the lack of nearby healthcare facilities and the increasing pressure on existing centres? This expansion is necessary to ensure accessibility and reduce overcrowding, and coordination with the Emirates Health Services Authority might be needed.”
Salem Mohammed Al Rashidi asked about the coordination between the National Ambulance and the Sharjah Health Authority to ensure the provision of quick and effective medical services for patients in all cases. He wanted to know what measures are taken to improve ambulance response times and ensure that appropriate healthcare is provided in a timely manner, especially for the smooth transfer of patients between hospitals in the state.
Hmaid Abdullah Al Reyami raised concerns regarding the more than 5,000 insured individuals in Dibba Al Hisn and the growing population across the eastern region. He asked: “What is the Sharjah Health Authority’s vision for expanding the role of the private sector in establishing specialised clinics and health centres to meet the needs of residents in Dibba Al Hisn? Additionally, what efforts are being made to encourage medical investors to open private clinics or health centres there?” He also mentioned the inadequacy of the existing health centre in Dibba Al Hisn, which lacks sufficient specialties and emergency services, proposing the construction of a hospital to meet the community’s medical needs.
Jassim Mohammed Al Hannawi inquired about the integration between the Sharjah Health Authority and other health bodies across the Emirates, including the Ministry of Health, through electronic platforms. He asked about the Authority’s plan to activate the use of the Emirates ID as a means of storing medical records to enhance the quality of healthcare by providing a better understanding of medical history, ultimately leading to more effective care. Additionally, he sought clarification on the Authority’s efforts to enhance telemedicine services.
Mohammed Al Alawi Al Dhahouri asked about the Sharjah Health Authority’s plans to expand the health insurance benefits for those covered under the government health insurance system, aiming to enhance the quality of care they receive. He also questioned the Authority’s approach to enrolling all Sharjah residents in the health insurance system.
Al Dhahouri further asked why retired employees from government universities in Sharjah are not included in the health insurance system provided by the Sharjah Health Authority, and what steps can be taken to address this issue to ensure they benefit from the service.
He also asked whether the Authority is considering a proposal to include federal employees registered in Sharjah within the government health insurance system, with the employee contributing a portion of the cost. This would aim to enhance health solidarity and provide broader insurance options for this group.
Hamid Obaid Al Hammoudi raised an important query regarding the provision of integrated healthcare for Sharjah government employees and retirees covered by the health insurance system. He asked for the rationale behind capping dental treatments at 4,000 AED per year, questioning whether there are plans to review and possibly increase this cap to match the rising costs of specialised treatments and ensure comprehensive medical care without financial burdens on beneficiaries
Al Hammoudi inquired about the Authority's strategy for developing healthcare services and insurance benefits for individuals with various disabilities, as well as the addition of a patient companion service within the health insurance system. Dr. Abdulaziz bin Butti Al Mehairi, Member of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah and Chairman of the Authority, along with his colleagues from the Authority, responded to the members' questions by confirming that the Authority is continuously working to improve the investment environment and support the medical sector through the use of modern technology, expanding infrastructure in line with future challenges and changes, and addressing the Emirate's needs for hospitals and clinics.
Ahmed Al Awassieh Al Zaabi proposed expanding the coverage of the health insurance system to include all employees and retirees registered with the Emirate, whether in the federal or private sector, along with their families, similar to workers in the local sector.
Amer Al Zarouni inquired about how the Sharjah Health Authority attracts skilled national talent and coordinates with the Human Resources Department to provide the Authority with the flexibility and appropriate incentives.
Rashed Ghanem Al Shamsi asked about the global health challenges that may arise suddenly, such as epidemics and urgent health crises. He wanted to know the plans and measures the Sharjah Health Authority adopts to develop rapid and effective response strategies for such crises.
He further asked how the Authority works on enhancing the readiness of hospitals and health centres in the Emirate to address these challenges, and whether there are training and awareness programmes directed at medical and administrative staff within the Sharjah government as well as in various sectors to handle emergencies efficiently and ensure the continuity of safe and effective healthcare services during crises.
Before the session was adjourned, the Secretary-General of the Council, His Excellency Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, announced that the next session will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, and its topic will be discussing the recommendations of the Council regarding the Sharjah Health Authority's policy.
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