DUBAI // Specialist clinics are being set up to promote healthy living.
Sensible choices that can be made to reduce the risk of disease will be highlighted at the events, which will take place at two primary healthcare centres run by Dubai Health Authority.
The authority also hopes to reach people suffering from chronic ailments such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure, along with heavy smokers and patients seeking treatment for stress or depression.
The clinics will also cater to relatives taking care of patients with a chronic disease, children with special needs, elderly patients or patients who have suffered strokes.
Patients already registered with primary health centres will be invited to attend a Health Education Clinic. Alternatively, residents can book appointments at the Nad Al Hammar and Al Barsha centres.
"The aim of this clinic is to positively influence health behaviour of individuals and communities, with an aim to enhance the quality of life of the community and reduce the burden of disease, both in human and financial terms," said Dr Ahmad bin Kalban, the chief executive of the DHA's primary health care.
"While we already have several health awareness initiatives in place, we felt it was time to provide a dedicated health-education clinic to the community.
"We consider primary health care to be front-line care as it is the first stop for people with health problems."
Dubai Health Authority was created six years ago to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life within the emirate.
They provide services through facilities such as Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta hospitals, as well as specialist centres such as the Dubai Diabetes Centre and primary health centres across the emirate.
The Nad Al Hamar primary health centre will hold health clinics every Monday and Thursday.
Al Barsha primary health centre will hold clinics every Tuesday and Wednesday from 7.30am to 2pm.
