Abu Dhabi // More than a thousand patients in remote areas received specialist treatment this year thanks to an outreach scheme.
Residents of Al Qua’a, Al Haiyir, Sweihan and Mazyad were able to visit local health centres instead of travelling to the city thanks to the Absher Doctors Programme.
The initiative is run by Ambulatory Health Services (AHS), overseen by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha).
Specialist services offered included cardiology, dermatology, obstetrics, gynaecology, orthodontics and dental implants, and ear, nose and throat consultations.
The appointments were first offered in March, then again in June, September and this month.
Seha said the programme had been successful, with nearly 1,100 patients given treatment and consultations resulting in 534 procedures, from echocardiograms to dental surgeries.
“The consistency in the number of beneficiaries of the programme validates its success in catering to the medical needs of patients in their respective areas,” said Louise Bain, chief operating officer of AHS. “We hope to continue the good work in 2014.”
She said the main objective of the programme was to ensure that those in remote areas were not denied the expert medical attention available to residents of cities.
“We are deeply encouraged by the overwhelming response from the people,” she said. “The significant number of medical procedures conducted during the sessions confirmed the timeliness and imperative need for such an initiative.”
The Absher Doctors Programme launched last year with the aim of providing “the best of health care with effective utilisation of the available human resources”, and to take specialist care to people in their own areas.
The services provided help in the early detection of diseases thanks to screenings and mobile clinics.
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Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.