Dubai Healthcare City, IIR Middle East and Philips check the health of women in the UAE during Women's Healthcare 2008

A specially-created Mobile Health Centre -located in Zabeel Hall at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 23-26 April- will offer health assessments, including cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, lung capacity and Body Mass Index tests, to those attending the event.

The tests, which will be conducted by renowned Life Pharmacy nutritionist and pharmacists located at Dubai Healthcare City, can help spot early warning signs of heart problems and diabetes, which are prevalent in the region.

The tests being offered to visitors all are scientifically and medically supported but are so quick and easy to administer that the entire health check should take only around 15 minutes.

The initiative reflects Philips' focus on health management outside the hospital, empowering people to take better care of their health.

It also highlights the company's commitment to improving patient care at every stage including helping diagnose health problems early to prevent future disease.

It especially underlines Philips' long experience in the area of women's health.

Louis Hakim, Vice President Royal Philips Electronics and Chief Executive Officer of Philips Middle East, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Dubai Healthcare City and IIR Middle East in this initiative. Philips has a long experience in Women's Healthcare and is now extending its knowledge to prevention and home healthcare. Performing basic tests for early risk detection is a pragmatic but very useful part of that".

On the other hand, Dr. Muhadditha Al-Hashimi Chief Executive Officer of DHCC stressed on the importance of prevention in the region: "Dubai Healthcare City's main objective is to improve the level of healthcare services available in the UAE and beyond through increased awareness of preventative care. DHCC partners take prevention seriously as exhibited through this important partnership with Philips which highlights the importance of regular health checks for the early detection of disease".

In response to research undertaken by IIR Middle East which found a lack of awareness regarding life-threatening illness such as diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases among women in the UAE, Women's Healthcare health offer free check-ups and an unrivalled seminar programme to inform, educate and support women in the UAE.