Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) last year provided free medical treatment worth over Dh4.5 million to 645 patients in both public and private hospitals.

The Authority worked with various charities, including Beit Al Khair, said Salem Bin Lahej, head of the Mosa’adah (assistance) programme,

He said that last year Dh2.9 million was spent on patients in DHA hospitals, and Dh1.6 million was raised in cooperation with Beit Al Khair to help 157 patients in private hospitals in Dubai.

He said the initiative reaches out to expatriates across all nationalities and that one of the main criteria for selection is the medical condition of the patient.

In 2011, the charity helped 251 patients from 35 nationalities and provided them treatment and equipment worth Dh449,000 and a year later Dh473,322 was raised to help 299 patients belonging to 34 nationalities.

He said patients with various medical conditions including burns, cardiac problems, and those suffering from cancer were provided treatment through this initiative.

“We are thankful for the active participation and donations received from community members in Dubai. The various charities, corporates and community members donated towards this cause that helped us reach out to a large number of patients with financial difficulties,” he said.

The Mosa’adah programme is one of the key initiatives of the DHA. Through this programme, the Authority reaches out to both Emiratis and expatriates who require medical treatment but cannot not afford it.

DHA director-general Eisa Al Maidour highlighted the importance of such initiatives that are important to help alleviate the suffering of the needy and to ensure that they have access to high-quality care.

Earlier, the DHA had also teamed up with Axios Systems, a leading international IT service management software company, to help provide assistance to patients suffering from chronic diseases but who cannot afford the treatment.

“We would like to see these patients complete their treatment so that they have the best chance to cure themselves. This partnership will look into provision of medication for chronic diseases that are expensive,” Bin Lahej had said.

“Patients undergoing chemotherapy require several cycles of treatment, and each cycle costs about Dh8,000,” he had said.

Those interested in volunteering or donating, may contact representatives of the Mosa’adah programme at +009714 2197474.