2007
- The news you choose »
- Login to Add to Watchlist
Enpark goes online
The Energy and Environment Park has created a website, www.enpark.ae, which it says will keep the public informed of energy and environment issues. The interactive site includes information about Enpark's self-sustainable commercial and residential project in Dubai, and features a knowledge centre with tutorials on renewable energy issues, opinion polls and a message centre for feedback.
Bahrain losing senior nurses
Senior nurses are leaving Bahrain for better pay elsewhere, compounding a shortage of 800 nursing staff that already exists in the country, Gulf Daily News reported. Bahrain Nursing Society president, Rula Al Saffar, said other GCC countries were paying higher wages to meet their nursing shortfalls.
NCB supports kidney treatment
The National Commercial Bank will donate 65 new dialysis machines to 32 government hospitals, Arab News reported. There are 90,000 people currently being treated for kidney disease across the kingdom, with the number of patients growing at the rate of 9% a year.
Dubai gets sticky
Wednesday in Dubai ranked as the most uncomfortable day of the year as humidity levels soared, Gulf News reported. Meteorologists' comfort index reached eight on a 10-point scale, representing 'extremely uncomfortable' conditions. The maximum temperature was 41C. Similar conditions are expected for Thursday, according to forecasters.
UAE animal cruelty law
A law against animal cruelty has been "drafted and approved" by the UAE government but is not yet effective, according to officials interviewed by Gulf News. Cases of animal cruelty would be sent to the police, with possible fines or prison sentences as punishment. Animal rights spokespeople have expressed concern over incidents of "barbaric" animal cruelty that have so far gone unpunished.
Dubai siezes counterfeit drugs
Dubai customs says it has seized counterfeit prescription drugs worth about $1.4m. The seizure followed an operation carried out by customs inspectors at Cargo Village. Around 555,000 'Plavix' pills were found in containers that had been shipped from Mauritius.
More doctors needed
The number of doctors registered in Dubai increased by 55%, between 2001-2005, but the patient-doctor ratio is still low by international standards, Emirates Today reported. By the end of 2005, Dubai had 0.5 physicians per thousand people; compared with ratios of 1.6, 2.3 and 2.4 in Singapore the UK and the US respectively, according to a report by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The emirate also needs more nurses, the report said.
Midday break complaints
Construction workers in Dubai welcomed the implementation of the midday break yesterday, July 1, in order to avoid the fierce summer heat, but say their companies have little interest in their well-being. Workers are entitled to a break between 12.30pm and 3pm, but Gulf News reported that many are not provided with any water, or a proper place to rest, and simply have to find rudimentary shade outside.
Saudi seeks 13,000 doctors
Saudi Arabia is looking to recruit 13,000 family doctors for its primary health centres, reported Arab News citing Dr Obaid ibn Sulaiman Al Obaid, the Deputy Health Minister for Planning and Development. The kingdom has already signed an agreement with Egypt which will see around 4,000 family doctors move to the Gulf state. Saudi is planning on opening 2,000 health centres nationwide within three years.
Egypt bans female circumcision
The Egyptian Health Ministry has issued a ruling forbidding the practice of female circumcision, reported the AP news agency. The ministry has stated that the procedure must not be carried out anywhere in the country. The ban has been announced following the death of a 12 year old girl during a botched operation in an illegal clinic in the south of Egypt earlier this month.
Desalination criticised by WWF
A report released by the World Wildlife Fund claims that desalination has a serious impact on the environment, reported Gulf News. The WWF paper reveals that desalination causes an increase in the emission of greenhouse gases, a build-up of brine, destruction of coastal areas and reduced conservation of rivers and wetlands. It also states that desalination provides 60% of fresh water needs in Gulf Arab countries.
UN in desertification warning
A United Nations study has said that desertification poses "the greatest environmental challenge of our times", the BBC reports. Without urgent action, about 50m people could be displaced by encroaching deserts within the next 10 years, according to the United Nations University study. The greatest risks are in sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia.
Hikma sales to surge in 2007
Jordan-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals expects H1 2007 revenue to grow 40%, Reuters reported. The drug maker said it should deliver sales growth of more than 35% for the year. CEO Samih Darwazah said the company is 'well-placed to deliver another year of strong growth, in line with our expectations.'
Iran lofty health insurance plan
Iran's government wants to have all citizens covered by health insurance, the Iran Daily reported. An insurance plan is due to be introduced next week. Under the scheme, the government will pay 50% of insurance premiums due to the Medical Services Insurance Company, while citizens would be expected to pay the balance.
Heart disease hitting early
GCC residents as young as 21 are having heart attacks, as lifestyle and genetic factors have pulled the average age for attacks in the region down to 50 years, according to research cited by Gulf News. Smokers made up half of patients, Emirates Cardiac Association said. The average age for heart attacks in the West is 65 years.
It looks like you are using a Mac - check out our 
Web Feeds