Dubai: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has launched the Mohammad Bin Rashid initiative for elderly care to raise awareness about healthy ageing and the importance of regular health screenings.
The four-day campaign, organised in collaboration with the Dubai Ruler’s Office, was rolled out at Majlis 1 in Jumeirah 2.
The campaign has been rolled out to all six majlises under the Dubai Ruler’s Court, five of which are located in Jumeirah and the sixth at Al Hamriya.
Eisa Al Maidour, director-general of DHA, said: “Healthy ageing and proactive geriatric care helps minimise health complications and reduces the dependence on caregivers, enabling the elderly to lead an independent life to the best extent possible.”
Residents above the age of 60 will be provided with free health screening that includes bone density test to screen for osteoporosis. A DHA team will also check blood pressure, BMI, blood sugar, kidney function, liver function and cholesterol. The results of the screening will be explained and those who need to visit a health care provider will be given an appointment at a DHA primary health care centre closest to their residence.
Geriatricians will also educate the elderly about daily rehabilitation exercises.
DHA primary health care centres have dedicated geriatric, fall and osteoporosis clinics. Rashid Hospital has a full-fledged elderly care unit.
The DHA also runs the Family Gathering Centre, which is the sole centre for the elderly in the emirate and provides in-patient as well as out-patient services.
