Abu Dhabi: The regulative body for healthcare in the Emirate, Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH -Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) have successfully concluded their collective participation at the 2nd Edition of Abu Dhabi International Mental Health Conference (ADIMHC).
Organized at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on the 28th and the 29th of January 2022, the 2nd Edition of Abu Dhabi International Mental Health Conference attracted more than 2,300 delegates, making it the latest edition to date.
On the opening day of the two-day hybrid event, Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Under-Secretary at the DoH, unveiled the Department’s new mental health model and emphasized the Emirate’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from mental and psychological illnesses.
The new model will apply international best practices in accordance with the highest regional and international standards, positioning healthcare in the UAE amongst the best in the world.
It will also integrate an advanced mental health workforce into the primary care community, launch a comprehensive regulatory framework dedicated to the delivery of mental health care services and a psychological wellbeing tracking system.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department rolled out several initiatives and partnered with a number of entities to ensure mental health support is available for all members of our community. We joined forces with the National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing to launch 800 HOPE, a mental help support line dedicated to providing safe and confidential counselling around the clock. Similarly, we collaborated with the Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and SEHA to support residents facing mental pressure through the Istijaba call centre. –Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Under-Secretary at the DoH remarked.
Meanwhile, Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Executive Director of the Community Health Sector at Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, briefed about the critical nature of community mental health, the role of educational and awareness campaigns and the role of society as a whole in improving awareness and early detection.
On her part, Dr. Nahida Niaz Ahmed, Consultant Psychiatrist and Chair of the Behavioral Health Council at SEHA, observed that, “We are extremely proud to work with the DOH in creating a health system that prioritizes mental health. We would like to thank the DOH for their continued collaboration and for spearheading a much-needed change in the society’s outlook towards mental health patients.”
The 2nd Edition of Abu Dhabi International Mental Health Conference featured a comprehensive section on the integration of psychiatry with multiple disciplines to address mental health challenges faced by patients suffering from chronic diseases.