The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) organised a graduation ceremony for the first batch of DHA nurses that completed their Masters in International Health Management from the University of Bradford in Dubai.
Twelve nurses, of whom eight are Emiratis, were recently honoured in a ceremony at the Rashid Medical Library Auditorium.
Director-General of DHA, Essa Al Maidoor, said "Collaborating with universities locally and internationally to promote further medical education across all fields is vital for the growth of the health sector in Dubai. Qualified talent-pool is the lifeline of the health sector and at the DHA. It has been our constant endeavour to promote continuous skill-set development and knowledge transfer through such programs." In 2012, DHA signed an MoU with the University of Bradford which gives nurses who have a diploma an opportunity to obtain a degree within one year in Dubai without having to travel overseas.
"Nurses keen to take up a managerial career path opted for this program and this degree will help them chalk out a promising career path. "Presently, they are being mentored as in-charge nurses so that they can take up the responsibility of managing their units. Having a master's degree is one of the requirements of a nursing supervisor, so this degree will directly help in career growth." Presently, six Emirati nurses have enrolled to be part of the 2nd batch of graduates from Bradford University and have already started their training program, Al Maidoor noted.
DHA now has over 4126 nurses and recently recruited 531 nurses from various countries such as India, Philippines and Jordan, in order to increase manpower ahead of the completion of several pertinent healthcare projects.
Colleges in U.A.E. that offer nursing education include University of Sharjah, Higher Colleges of Technology, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Fatima College of Health Sciences (FCHS) as well as international colleges such as the University of Bradford.
Today, the growth of nursing colleges in the country and an increased awareness about the profession as well as a high demand both locally and globally for qualified nurses, has led to a larger number of people opting for this profession.