ABU DHABI // Requests to open a 24-hour medical centre in Ras Al Khaimah and to stop importing vegetables during the local high-production season are among issues to be raised at the Federal National Council on Tuesday.
Seven questions have been raised by council members to ministers ahead of the session. A draft law that allows courts to use video conference technology when questioning juveniles, witnesses and experts will also be discussed.
Naama Al Sharhan, a member from RAK, said she had received many complaints from residents since the emergency section at a medical centre in the emirate started closing at 10pm about two years ago.
“The centre is in a strategic location and covers many nearby areas, and it used to be open until the morning for emergencies,” she said. “There is a [long] distance between it and other centres that open around the clock.”
Such centres include Ibraheem Hamad Obaid-Allah Hospital in Al Uraibi Street, and Saqr Hospital.
“The distance makes a difference in urgent cases, like those with diabetes or blood pressure issues, it could cost them their lives,” the member said.
Another question will be asked of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, on protecting agricultural produce from market saturation.
“In certain seasons our production of vegetables increases. This includes tomatoes and cucumbers. During that time we are supposed to stop receiving products from outside, because this will lead to saturation of the market,” Ms Al Sharhan said.
“Cost of plantation is high, so why don’t they stop products from abroad and rely on national products?”
Local produce during the cooler climate is of high quality and is readily available, she said.
Dr Al Zeyoudi is also expected to answer a question raised by Salem Al Shehhi, also from RAK, on supporting hydroponics in the country.
Hydroponics is a system wherein plants are grown in sand, gravel or liquid, with added nutrients but without soil.
hdajani@thenational.ae
