Al Ain health clinic aims to treat Emiratis in the UAE

Oud Al Touba centre in Al Ain offers extensive health options usually available only to patients who go abroad for care.

Dr Najmi Rahman checks a patient’s eyes during a screening at the new Oud Al Touba Healthcare Centre in Al Ain. Ravindranath K / The National

AL AIN // A new health clinic is trying to persuade Emiratis to stay at home for treatment rather than going abroad.

Since it opened its doors in December, the Oud Al Touba Healthcare Centre has treated 10,000 patients.

Seha, the Abu Dhabi Health Services company, says the clinic is the first of its kind in the country.

It operates a comprehensive screening programme during which patients are assessed in a single appointment.

Only Thiqa gold-card holders can use the centre, and as a result it enjoys the patronage of numerous VIP patients, including royalty and diplomats. Mariam Al Shamsi, administrative manager at the centre, said: “We have the best technology, tools and physicians in the UAE. Why should are patients go abroad instead of coming here?

“We are trying to attract them and find out what the gap is or what are the services available abroad.

“We are trying to put all these services under one umbrella. We ensure the appointments are at a time suitable to the patients and listen to their feedback.”

She said a second clinic was to open in Abu Dhabi.

Services such as dental, ophthalmology, gynaecology and paediatrics are all offered.

“Here we guarantee that you see all the doctors on the same day. Any referral is made as soon as possible. We are welcoming special needs and bedridden patients as well.

“People who come here can’t believe that these unique services are available here. They usually go abroad for screening and they end up paying a lot,” Ms Al Shamsi said.

Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, a family medicine specialist at the centre, said: “Primary care and hospital care settings are usually not put together in one place and this is what is different here. We have speciality services with the primary healthcare services or family medicine. The patient gets holistic care.

“The patient will either meet the doctor on the same day or whenever nearest possible. The executive screening programme includes laboratory tests and blood tests and family medicine. The patient also has ultrasounds and will be checked completely. We arrange his referrals according to his results.”

Aysha Al Dhaheri, a housewife and Al Ain resident, was at the clinic on Sunday for a screening.

“The services are very good. I have had a screening done outside the country and the one here is equally good and the examination is thorough,” said the mother of three.

“I think the clinic is a great opportunity for the people of Al Ain to have such privilege. This clinic is unique because it has all the specialities and shortens the journey for the patient.

“The preventive screening programme is great and we don’t even have to leave the country to get it done.”

The centre employs 25 physicians, 32 nurses, 26 technicians and 35 people in the administrative department.