ABU DHABI // A popular medical centre may return to operating through the night after the Minister of Health said he would consider extending hours after an FNC member raised the matter.
Abdulrahman Al Owais agreed to consider the move at Medical Centre Ras Al Khaimah after requests were made to the FNC member by senior citizens in the area.
The Kuwaiti Street centre used to open overnight, which was beneficial to nearby residents, especially senior citizens, according to the FNC’s Naama Al Sharhan. However, a few years ago opening hours were limited to between 7.30am and 11pm.
“The night hours are long, and those who suffer heart attacks or diabetes or blood pressure cannot wait,” said Ms Al Sharhan. The next nearest options, Saqr or Saif Ghobash hospitals, are 15 minutes away, she added.
Mr Al Owais said the reduced hours were introduced to focus on quality of certain services, and there were not that many patients visiting at midnight anyway.
“There were around five to nine people who would visit after 10pm,” she said. “I am the daughter of Ras Al Khaimah and this centre is in a strategic location; it covers the old and modern parts of the city.
“I drive and I know the areas, it requires (new) roads to reach them faster, so for public welfare this centre should remain open at night. We are not saying leave it open for all clinics, only accidents and emergencies like heart attacks.”
Mr Al Owais said he agrees with the FNC member and doesn’t mind following up the issue with her and the centre itself so they could open some services for longer hours.
Asma Al Abbadi, an Emirati home-business owner who lives in Ras Al Khaimah, agreed that the centre is easier to get to than other health facilities in the emirate.
“I live in South Dhait, so Al Dhait centre is closer to me but it has been closed for maintenance for some time, and it operates until 8pm only,” she said.
When she had a baby she had to take an injection at night so she went to the centrer in Kuwaiti street, taking her about 10 minutes to get there.
“It is true that this area is very strategic, and there are many labourers there as well. Even when someone needs medical help at the Kuwaiti souq they take them there,” Ms Al Abbadi said.
Senior citizens usually go to Saif Ghobash Hospital because they have specialised services for diabetes, blood pressure et cetera, she added.
“But it is further, and many speed bumps and traffic lights to get there,” said the 36-year-old.
hdajani@thenational.ae