2007
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Falcons in peril
Falcons could soon become endangered as a result of food shortages, accidents and the effect of pesticides, according to an expert cited by Arab News. Dr Zubair Medammal, who has doctorate in falcon studies, said around 35% of falcon deaths occur when birds eat prey that has been exposed to pesticides.
Preparations for Disability Act
Special committees have been set up to activate provisions of the UAE's disability law, expected to be put into place before April 2007, Gulf News reported. The UAE Disability Act guarantees the rights of physically challenged people in health, education, work and public services. The UAE is due to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Disabled in March, said Ministry of Social Affairs undersecretary, Abdullah Al Suwaidi.
UAE approves Gardasil
The UAE's Ministry of Health has given approval to the use of the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil. The drug, which is to be distributed by Merck Sharp and Dohme, is now available in 33 countries. Around 2.3m women worldwide have been diagnosed with cervical cancer and 800 die every day due to the disease.
Tawam Hospital appointments
The Tawam Hospital in Al Ain, which is affiliated to John Hopkins Medicine, has made several new managerial appointments. Dr Jack Borders assumes charge as Medical Affairs Manager, while Steve Matarelli takes over as Chief Officer of Clinical Services and Nursing. The 469 bed hospital aims to offer specialist care in oncology, medicine, gynaecology, dentistry and intensive care.
Saudi women, Hajj support
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has revealed that one third of the 2,500 female staff who helped co-ordinate this year's Hajj pilgrimage were Saudi nationals, reported Arab News. The total of 861 Saudi women was an 11% lift on the figure two years ago and many were employed as physicians and nurses. The ministry actively encourages Saudi women to work during Hajj, offering training and promotion incentives.
Training for UAE medics
The UAE Health Ministry and the Abu Dhabi General Authority for Health Services have revealed that doctors, nurses and other medical employees will need to complete a minimum number of continuing medical education credit hours, thought to be 50 hours, in order to continue working, reported Gulf News. The regulations will not affect the Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services, which will introduce its own requirements this year.
UAE mulls donor bank
The UAE's Health Ministry is studying a proposal for setting up an organ bank for transplants, reported Gulf News. The demand of organ transplants in the UAE is low although there is a potentially high number of donors. Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qutami, the Minister of Health, said a committee is looking at the whole issue, including various religious and legal concerns.
First aid for DM staff
All Dubai Municipality staff members are to receive first aid training next week, enabling them to deal with various emergency situations on site. The training courses are to take place on January 10-11 and new graduates will also be included in the sessions.
Building waste threat
Experts in Saudi are warning of a potential environmental disaster caused by construction companies not disposing of building waste properly, Arab News reported. Some companies are dumping waste in empty pieces of land or down abandoned wells, said environmentalist Omar Khatir.
Maternity leave complaints
Some Dubai teachers are claiming their maternity leave entitlement is being cut short in violation of UAE labour laws, Gulf News reported. The female private school teachers claim they are being given only up to 25 days paid leave, when they are entitled to 45 days.
Hajj free of disease
Saudi health officials say this year's hajj has been free of any infectious diseases, Arab News reported. The World Health Organisation praised surveillance measures in place at ports of entry to monitor pilgrims for diseases.
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