DUBAI // Al Jalila Foundation has allocated Dh4 million to medical scholarships this year in hope that more Emiratis will consider a career in health care.
So far, 19 Emirati medical students have benefited from funding for scholarship programmes to aid their careers.
Applications for the 2015-2016 round of grants are now open. Those thinking of careers in the medical industry are encouraged to come forward.
The programme, now in its third year, makes Dh4m in grants available each year. The foundation is a philanthropic organisation that also offers donations to people with specific healthcare needs or disabilities.
So far, scholarships have been provided for postgraduate studies in nursing, dentistry and public health at institutions across the UAE.
Two of the first scholarship recipients to be funded by Al Jalila are graduating from The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Dubai later this year.
Dr Abdulkareem Al Olama, the foundation’s chief executive, said: “We are pleased to once again extend financial support to aspiring Emirati healthcare professionals to help them specialise and further build the skills and credentials needed to contribute to the well-being of the nation.
“This year we look forward to receiving applications covering an even wider range of specialities that will help broaden the UAE’s medical capabilities, so that it can continue to offer its citizens world-class health care in line with UAE Vision 2021.
“Not only will our scholarships help to develop capabilities, they will build capacity, continuity and sustainability in the UAE’s healthcare sector.”
The foundation promotes medical education and research by investing in the UAE’s treatment capabilities.
A key focus is to nurture a generation of home-grown medical professionals, and support research to address health challenges prevalent in the region, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health.
A purpose-built research centre in Dubai Healthcare City will be the UAE’s first independent multidisciplinary medical research centre when it opens its doors to researchers next year.
The application deadline for Al Jalila Foundation postgraduate medical scholarships for the 2015-2016 academic year is July 31.
Successful applicants will be announced in September. For more information, visit www.aljalilafoundation.ae or email scholarships@aljalilafoundation.ae.
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