DUBAI, 27 February 2025 (WAM) – Emirates Health Services (EHS) has launched 15 specialised mental health clinics across six emirates as part of its “Together for Mental Well-being” initiative. The new clinics, opened in the presence of Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director-General of EHS, will operate within primary healthcare centres from Dubai to Fujairah.
This expansion shows EHS’s commitment to improving community mental health. By increasing access to mental health care and building a strong support system, EHS aims to offer specialised, comprehensive treatment aligned with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031.
Dr. Noor Al Mheiri, Director of EHS’s Mental Health Department, said that enhancing mental health services is a strategic priority. The goal is to integrate these services sustainably within primary healthcare, ensuring early and specialised care is available to the community.
Dr. Kareema Alraesi, Director of EHS’s Primary Healthcare Department, noted that including mental health services in primary care reflects a shift towards a more comprehensive health model. This model improves access to psychological support and invests in training healthcare professionals to detect mental disorders early and provide effective treatment. Such efforts strengthen the link between mental and physical health.
The initiative involves family physicians trained to diagnose and treat a variety of mental health conditions in the new clinics. It also includes workshops to equip healthcare staff with skills for early detection of mental health issues.
To improve treatment quality, the initiative will standardize protocols based on the latest global standards. It will also develop electronic mental health records within the “Wareed” health information system. This will help manage cases better and provide accurate data for informed decision-making.
The launch event featured a detailed program, starting with a speech on the importance of integrating mental health and primary care. It included presentations on the initiative’s goals and workshops covering topics such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in primary care, treatment of anxiety and depression across age groups, risk assessment, and early interventions for mental health crises.
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