Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve the standard of medical care offered on board ships within the Dubai emirate. This aims to achieve common goals and commitments in the maritime and public health sectors.
The purpose of the MoU is to establish a cooperative relationship between the Dubai Health Authority and the Environment, Health, and Safety Department at the Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees in order to regulate health services. It pertains to implementing best health practices and controlling contagious diseases on ships arriving in Dubai in accordance with the rules and regulations of each party.
Eng. Abdulla Belhoul, CEO of the Department of Planning and Development – Trakhees the regulatory arm of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, affirmed that signing the MoU aligns with the UAE’s wise leadership vision to enhance partnerships between government institutions. Mr. Belhoul added that the collaboration between Trakhees Department, represented by the Environment, Health, and Safety Department, and the Dubai Health Authority reflects the Corporation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare services on ships in the Emirate of Dubai, solidifying Dubai’s position as an advanced maritime hub committed to applying the highest health service standards in the maritime sector.
Mr. Belhoul highlighted the memorandum’s goals, emphasizing the application of best health practices and local health legislation to enhance Dubai’s competitiveness in public health, including the maritime sector. The monitoring of communicable diseases on ships arriving in Dubai and the control of the entry or exit of international public health emergency cases will contribute to maintaining a healthy and safe marine environment.