DUBAI // The Ministry of Health announced yesterday that it is working on a new version of its iPhone application that provides information on all healthcare centres and pharmacies at the click of a button.
The update to MoH, as the app is called, will also be accessible on BlackBerry smartphones and will include a larger listing of hospitals and healthcare centres than the previous version did.
The first version of the application, which was launched by the ministry last October on the iPhone, only included information on hospitals, healthcare centres and pharmacies run by the Ministry of Health.
"We are working on the second version and will be adding Dubai Health Authority and Health Authority-Abu Dhabi hospitals as per the directives of the Minister of Health, to have a complete directory," Nour Khamis, a health educator at the Ministry of Health, said during a presentation yesterday.
The application can be downloaded in Arabic and English from Apple's App Store.
The updated version of the application will include the current list of 24hour pharmacies and health tips and information for people experiencing various symptoms.
"We are working on software for BlackBerry and expect it to be ready in approximately four to six weeks," said Ms Khamis.
She said many people have shown an interest in the iPhone application and the forthcoming BlackBerry version.
"We cannot track the number of downloads yet, but based on the inquiries taken at the call centre we have received about 500 calls regarding the iPhone application," Ms Khamis said. "They ask, 'How do I download the application?' and based on that, we have placed a link and information on our website."
The application helps users find the nearest hospital or healthcare centre and provides telephone numbers for all of the 24-hour pharmacies across the country.
Individuals can dial an ambulance at the touch of a button, although they will be asked for quick confirmation before the call is processed.
Icons give users access to ministry news, health tips and even e-mail access to the Minister of Health, Dr Hanif Hassan.
"It is a directory in your hand. We offer general education about diet and nutrition, diseases and hygiene through our health tips, but there is much more," Ms Khamis said.
"We have a whole section on diabetes."
[ balqabbani@thenational.ae ]