DUBAI (WAM)

For the first time in the UAE, the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS) has approved three specialised nursing programmes, including a residency programme for fresh nursing graduates, a residency programme in critical care for adults, a residency programme in nursing care for mental health.

The programmes were endorsed in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and various health and academic authorities in the country. They were facilitated through the Advisory Committee for Nursing and Midwifery and the scientific nursing committees of the Institute. The NIHS looks forward to hospitals starting to apply for these programmes during this year.

Nursing Profession System

The notable achievement is part of a broader effort to establish a system of specialisation within the nursing profession. It aims to empower nursing staff, particularly Emiratis, to advance their careers and move towards clinical specialisation. This aligns with the directives of the UAE's wise leadership to build a healthier, more prosperous, and happier society, while also contributing to achieving national goals in the field of leading health care.

The accreditation also comes in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (Roadmap 2022 – 2026), launched by the Ministry in collaboration with partners. The strategy aims to enhance the governance of nursing and midwifery professions through professional regulatory policies and practices, and to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals, ensuring patient safety, managing the nursing and midwifery workforce, and supporting evidence-based research and practices tailored to meet the country's health needs and priorities.

Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, emphasised the importance of the nursing profession and its key role in the sustainability of the health sector, which contributes to providing comprehensive, integrated and sustainable healthcare based on the country's future vision. He stressed that boosting Emirati competencies will enhance the quality of life for the community and provide outstanding healthcare services.

He pointed out the importance of optimal investment in building the nursing specialisation system and providing an educational structure that enables the graduation of national competencies to provide high-quality care services in line with international best practices, and the Ministry's strategy to govern a world-leading health system based on innovation, proactivity, flexibility, and alignment with the country's future vision and priorities.

For her part, Dr. Sumaya Mohamed Al Balushi, Head of the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery at the Ministry, Head of the Advisory Committee for Nursing and Midwifery of the UAE Board and Director of the Nursing Administration at the Emirates Health Services, said, "This achievement is a critical step towards building an integrated and sustainable system that supports specialisation in the nursing profession, which studies have proven its effectiveness in enabling the health system to optimise the use of resources, reduce impacts on the environment and climate in the health sector, and contribute to achieving inclusive health coverage."

Dr. Al Balushi pointed out that this achievement is in line with the objectives of the National Nursing and Midwifery Strategy (2022-2026) and called on all nursing cadres, especially the youth, to benefit from these programmes and actively participate in promoting this strategic approach.

Mohammed Al Houqani, Secretary-General of the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS), stressed the importance of specialised training in creating training opportunities for nursing personnel to ensure a professional career for nurses, which undoubtedly contributes to the advancement of health care.