DUBAI // Hundreds of chronically ill Emiratis and expatriates have been given Dh4.5million in financial aid to get the vital treatment they need.
Cancer patients, burns victims and residents with cardiac problems were among those that benefited from help under the Mosaadah (assistance) programme, a Dubai Health Authority initiative, last year.
In 2013 the funds helped 645 patients from public and private hospitals in Dubai.
“We had one, an Indian patient who had lung cancer and she needed help with six cycles of treatment,” said Salem bin Lahej, head of the programme, referring to one of the recent recipients of financial aid.
Each chemotherapy cycle would have cost the patient thousands of dirhams and she was unable to foot the bill, he said.
“From our side we helped her and until she finished her course. She was very sick and she was coughing but now she is improving and I think she is has just one or two cycles left.”
Mr bin Lahej said the programme has helped a significant number of cancer patients.
“Since the programme started we allocated more than Dh1 million for cancer patients, for those with breast cancers and other cancers,” he said.
Mr bin Lahej said Mosaadah helped ensure continuity of treatment for those suffering from chronic diseases.
“It is important to help these people. If you can not continue your treatment it can be bad for these people,” he said.
“But we have lots of happy stories for those who have passed their treatment. For example, they have beat breast cancer and finished their cycle and their life has improved.
“We are in a position to help people and make their lives change and to be happy and that is important.”
Through this programme, the authority reaches out to both Emiratis and expatriates.
“We try to help people of all nationalities and religions with their treatment,” said Mr bin Lahej.
The programme does not just support treatment but also equipment such as beds, wheelchairs and oxygen machines for those in need, he said.
The funds come by way of donation from organisations such as the charitable Beit Al Khair Society and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Mosaadah acts as an intermediate between those donors and the patients.
“In 2013, we worked with various charities including Beit Al Khair and we are very thankful for the active participation and donations we have received from community members in Dubai,” said Mr bin Lahej.
“Various charities, corporates and community members donated towards this cause and helped us reach out to a large number of patients with financial difficulties.”
In 2011, the charity helped 251 patients from 35 nationalities, while in 2012, 299 patients from 34 nationalities were given assistance.
Essa Al Maidoor, director general of Dubai Health Authority, said such initiatives are important to help alleviate the suffering of the needy and to ensure that they have access to high-quality care.
Those interested in volunteering or to donate should contact Mosaadah representatives at 04 2197474.
jbell@thenational.ae
