Department of Community Development signs MoU with PureHealth to enhance lives of People of Determination

UAE —The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s regulatory authority for the social sector, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the Middle East.

 This MoU represents a significant step toward enhancing cooperation between the two entities, with a shared goal of empowering and integrating people of determination into various aspects of life.

As part of this partnership, around 100 people of determination will be employed over the next two years.

Additionally, supportive and enabling services and programs will be developed for these individuals and their families, ensuring a holistic approach to their inclusion.

PureHealth has also launched the ‘Empowering Abilities Programme,’ an initiative designed to raise the regional institutional inclusion standard.

This comprehensive program ensures the inclusion and empowerment of people of determination within the healthcare sector.

The initiative aims to recognize employee contributions while ensuring equal opportunities for all by implementing a robust framework of procedures and policies.

Furthermore, the initiative will introduce flexible working hours, designated seating during training sessions, and improved internet accessibility through assistive technologies.

 PureHealth is also committed to investing in infrastructure enhancements, including ramps, accessible restrooms, and advanced workstations, to create a more conducive working environment.

The MoU between DCD and PureHealth extends beyond inclusive healthcare services and employment practices, encompassing four additional pillars of collaboration.

These include enhancing the data system for people of determination in alignment with established laws and legislation and improving social care services to support independent living within the community for people of determination.

Moreover, the partnership will focus on research and innovation, aiming to influence policy development and pioneer innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life for determined people.

In line with their shared values of community cohesion, the collaboration will also expand PureHealth’s existing volunteer program, “PureHeroes,” to include specialised volunteer opportunities tailored to serve people of determination across various specialities.

Commenting on the MoU, His Excellency Engineer Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department of Community Development, emphasized the significant role people of determination play in society.

He highlighted that the DCD believes in their potential to contribute effectively to the prosperity and development of Abu Dhabi.

Al Dhaheri highlighted that this strategic partnership with PureHealth is a vital step forward in enhancing the private sector’s role in providing services within a sustainable development framework.

He further noted that this MoU represents a historic partnership between the public and private sectors, integrating the social and health sectors in line with the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination, launched in 2020 by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Al Dhaheri stressed that the partnership with PureHealth reflects the DCD’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for people of determination through collaboration with the private sector.

This collaboration highlights the complementarity of roles between various sectors working to serve people of determination, their families, and their communities.

He also pointed out that integrating people of determination into social and professional life is a key indicator of societal progress and fairness.

At the DCD, the integration of people of determination is not merely seen as a right but as a means to harness their capabilities and talents while providing them with services that meet their needs, including appropriate health and social care.

He noted that this approach contributes to their empowerment, enhances their sense of security and belonging in society, and helps them enjoy a decent life.

Al Dhaheri also emphasized the importance of developing research and data on people of determination to understand their needs better and enable effective program planning that supports their empowerment.

Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer at PureHealth, echoed these sentiments, stating that this renewed commitment aligns with the UAE’s vision to enrich society by enhancing services for people of determination.

She noted that the MoU with the DCD highlights PureHealth’s pivotal role in collaborating with government entities to improve the quality of life for all by delivering superior healthcare services and ensuring accessibility.

Asif added that PureHealth is committed to promoting true inclusion by empowering every individual to contribute to the nation’s growth.

Their efforts to promote diversity and support initiatives for people of determination are integral to their vision of advancing the science of longevity.

In line with the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, Asif affirmed PureHealth’s dedication to fostering a cohesive society by creating an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all talents.