ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Following the official launch of the Barakatna initiative by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare group in the UAE, has announced the launch of Barakatna Clinic – a pioneering healthcare service designed specifically for patients aged over 65.
The Barakatna initiative, overseen by the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, and implemented in close collaboration with the Family Development Foundation and other entities in the social sector, including healthcare, aims to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens in Abu Dhabi.
SSMC’s Barakatna Clinic stands as a crucial advancement in Abu Dhabi’s geriatric care offering a comprehensive, fully integrated service to address health challenges encountered by seniors. The clinic is part of the hospital’s wider and long-term commitment to adapt and evolve its services to the healthcare demands of the UAE’s elderly community.
Her Excellency Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, affirmed that the opening of the Barakatna Clinic at SSMC embodies the vision and directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood – “Mother of the Nation” to enhance the quality of life of senior citizens, ensure their health and social well-being, and provide a supportive environment that values their contributions and enables them to continue their vital role in building both family and society.
Her Excellency explained that this step comes as an extension of the Family Development Foundation’s efforts, in cooperation with partners in the health and social sectors, to provide integrated services that strengthen physical and mental health and support the quality of life of senior citizens.
This reinforces the values of family cohesion and social solidarity that the UAE proudly upholds. Her Excellency noted that this initiative will contribute to empowering this group to manage their health matters with reassurance, ensuring a dignified and secure life, while stressing that this constructive cooperation embodies a comprehensive model of joint government action, in which all efforts are united to advance the healthcare services provided to senior citizens, ensuring them a dignified, healthy, and sustainable life.
Her Excellency also pointed out that the Family Development Foundation is keen to remain a key and active partner in all initiatives that elevate the status of senior citizens, support their well-being and stability, as it is the entity specialised in providing care for senior citizens through its social services that contribute to enhancing their quality of life.
Dr Marwan Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer at SSMC, said: “The Barakatna Clinic enhances our expanding portfolio of specialised care services, dedicated to securing a healthier life and future for everyone in our community.
Inspired by the Family Development Foundation’s vision, this clinic will deliver a compassionate, multidisciplinary approach to care, reflecting the UAE’s core values of togetherness and family cohesion. Through tailored, high-quality services, this initiative underscores our commitment to pioneering innovative healthcare solutions in collaboration with partners, fostering a brighter, healthier tomorrow for all.”
Operating every Monday afternoon, the Barakatna Clinic provides comprehensive assessments conducted by a multidisciplinary team – including physicians, nutritionists, pharmacists, physical therapists, and psychologists. The clinic addresses a wide range of health issues such as chronic diseases, mobility challenges, mental health and offers preventive care screening.
Patients can book appointments via the SSMC website (ssmc.ae), WhatsApp or call centre at 800 SSMC (7762), or through a direct referral from an internal SSMC physician or SEHA Clinics.