Dubai gets hospital bed space boost

Hospital bed space is expected to increase by about a third within the next two years as the Dubai Health Authority continues its Dh 3.6 billion campaign.

DUBAI // Hospital bed space is expected to increase by about a third within the next two years as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) continues its Dh 3.6 billion campaign to upgrade and expand services for the Emirate's growing population. Speaking at the relaunch of Rashid Hospital's psychiatric ward yesterday, Qadhi Al Murooshid, director general of the DHA, said bed space in Dubai currently ran at around 2,000 but that projects including the completion of Hatta Hospital and Al Jalila Children's Speciality Hospital will increase public sector bed space by 650. A further 500 are expected in the private sector.

"We are working at all levels to access capacity requirements and fulfil them," he said. "In addition to the DHA projects the upcoming private sector projects will also add to increased capacity of about 500 beds." Improving mental health care provision and bed space for those suffering with acute psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, severe depression and bipolar disorder are among the DHA's priorities.

"Dubai is now an international city and psychiatric and mental health is such an important field now," said Mohamed Fayek, an Emirati consultant and head of the psychiatric department at Rashid Hospital. Educated in the US, he and his internationally-trained team have remodelled the psychiatric facility to "fulfil international criteria and safety measures" and also create "a special, cheerful environment to fulfil therapy requirements".

The 40 bed facility ? split into two wards of 20 beds for men and another 20 for women - will provide a multifaceted approach to psychiatric care which includes medical treatment, psychological support and recreational activities. [e-mail]