The Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched the first cohort of the 2017 Pioneers of Innovation Programme at a ceremony under the patronage of Dr. Yousef Mohammad Al Serkal, Assistant Under-Secretary for Hospitals Sector.

Al Serkal said that the programme is part of the ministry's continuous efforts to achieve its strategic objectives as part of the UAE Vision 2021 and the National Agenda, which together aim to instill a culture of innovation, to develop first-class health facilities in the country, and establish an effective and sustainable health system.

He added that the ministry has been keen to develop the Pioneers of Innovation programme in accordance with the best standards in the field after extensive studies of the programmes available globally to qualify specialists in the management of innovation and strengthen its systems and practices, especially in the health sector.

H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of Umm Al Qaiwain Medical District, expressed her happiness at the implementation of the programme. Al Qasimi urged participants to complete the training programme, expressing her confidence in the abilities of the candidates to translate the knowledge gained through the programme into innovation that can be implemented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Dr. Ayesha Habib Al Mutawa, Director of Strategy and Future Department, Chief Innovation Officer, said that the pioneers programme candidates will be trained according to an internationally recognised curriculum. She explained that the programme includes six mandatory modules, after which candidates will be assessed by the global programme and certification body (International Association of Innovation Professionals) and will be granted their certificates of qualification as innovation professionals.

Source: Mena