2006
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UAE hospital hygiene drive
The UAE has joined an international campaign to raise hygiene standards and reduce the risk of contracting infections in hospitals, reported Gulf News. The World Health Organisation Global Patient Safety Challenge includes basic issues such as hospital staff washing their hands more frequently. Both government and private hospitals will be part of the drive.
Qatar zero ozone aim
Qatar aims to become a zero ozone depleting substance country by 2010, by strictly adhering to the UN's Montreal Protocol to which it is a signatory, The Peninsula reported. It is targeting an 85% cut in current imports of ODS in 2007, with a total phase out three years later. Laws to enforce bans will soon be announced.
Luxury at Dubai Hospital
The UAE Department of Health and Medical Services is building a ward of luxurious private suites at Dubai Hospital, reported Gulf News. Rooms will have a leather sofa set, LCD TV, Internet connection and expansive bathrooms. They cost Dhs1,500 a night. A similar section is up an running at Wasl Hospital.
Aids patients to get rights
Saudi Arabia is working on a law that would guarantee the rights of its estimated 2,800 Aids sufferers, according to Gulf News. A draft of the proposed law could be released before the next World Aids Day on 1 December, said National Human Rights Society chairman Dr Bandar Al Hojar.
Drug lowers diabetes risk
A drug that apparently helps the body turn sugars into fuel has been shown to substantially reduce the chances of a person developing Type 2 diabetes, according to research published in the Lancet. The drug rosiglitazone, sold under the brand name Avandia, was tested on 5,000 people with pre-diabetes from 21 countries over three years. Gulf states have one of the world's highest rates of Type 2 Diabetes, with obese people at most risk.
Pharmacist shortage in Saudi
A shortage of pharmacists in some remote areas of Saudi Arabia has caused the Ministry of Health to issue a circular allowing nurses to dispense medication to patients, reported Arab News. Ministry officials played down possible risks to patients by saying that nurses would only be handing over medication as prescribed by doctors and the situation would be temporary until a suitable pharmacist could be found.
Back pain problems for Gulf
Sedentary lifestyles in the Gulf are contributing to an increase in the incidence of back pain in the region, reported Gulf News. Dr Abdul Karim Msaddi, the Head of the Neurosurgical and Spinal Department at the Neuro Spinal Hospital in Dubai, said that the country's high humidity and obesity are also contributory factors. Dr Msaddi urged people to walk and exercise more frequently.
Thalassemia boost in UAE
Thalassemia sufferers in the UAE are benefitting from a new drug that was introduced to the UAE two months ago and which is transforming their treatment, reported Gulf News. Sufferers previously had to spend at least 50 hours a week having a drug pumped into their bodies to get rid of excess iron in their systems but Exjade can be dissolved in water or fruit juice and drunk before breakfast.
WFP to leave Lebanon
Lebanon will soon no longer have any food shortages and its commercial sector is bouncing back quicker than expected, allowing the withdrawal of the United Nations World Food Programme from the country by the end of October, according to a WFP report issued today. The report noted that while parts of the population still suffer the effects of war, foodstuffs are available at affordable prices and nutritional levels are good.
Re-used bottle ban in AD
An official at the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority has said that restaurants and other food outlets can no longer re-use plastic bottles to sell foodstuffs, reported Gulf News. A number of outlets use the bottles to sell fruit juices but this has now been banned for health and hygiene reasons. Restaurants and shops have a month in which to comply with the new ruling or face punishment.
Cleveland Clinic comes to UAE
The US-based Cleveland Clinic and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Development will set up a hospital in Abu Dhabi, called Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Under a 15-year agreement, Cleveland Clinic will operate the specialty hospital, which will be built on Al Suwwa Island. It is due to open in three years.
Quattro auction for charity
Rufi Group of Companies and Sharmland are auctioning an apartment from the Quattro Hotel and Business Park development in Dubai, with the proceeds going to Lebanese and UAE charities. The auction will take place on 17 September 2006 at the launch of the project at Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Stem cell bank opens
Private stem cell bank Cryo-Save has started operations in Dubai, Gulf News reported. Parents can store umbilical cord stem cells of newborns in the facility at a cost of Dhs13,000 for 20 years. Stem cells can be used to treat blood-related disorders such as leukaemia and thalassaemia.
Law for equal opportunities
The UAE has passed a wide-ranging law to protect the rights of people with special needs, according to Gulf News. The law guarantees job quotas, as yet not laid down, in both private and public sectors and promises comprehensive care in education, training, health and rehabilitation, said Social Affairs Ministry director Wafa Hamad Bin Sulaiman.
UAE affected by fog
Dubai Police reported around 140 accidents, but no injuries, yesterday morning as thick fog enveloped the country, reported Gulf News. Flights at Dubai International Airport were also affected by the reduced visibility. The cause of the fog was high humidity coupled with a sudden plunge in temperatures, down to around 26 degrees Celsius; the first reports of the fog were in Ras Al Khaimah at around 3am.
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