130 Emiratis to benefit from scholarships

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approved the list of requirements for the ‘Sponsoring Emiratis in the medical sector’ program, which aims to sponsor 130 Emiratis every year to continue their higher education in the fields of medicine, nursing and paramedics.

DHA launched this program last month to overcome the Emiratization challenges the medical sector is currently facing, after reports found that there is a shortage of Emiratis in medical fields - especially in the nursing, medicine and paramedic sector.

Following graduation, the students will have secured jobs at DHA hospitals and clinics.

“There is a need for experienced Emirati cadres in the medical sector in Dubai to support the growing developments, this vital sector is experiencing. By launching this program we hope to not only elevate this sector further,  but also to support the Emiratization drive in Dubai and continue providing world class services to the people of Dubai,” said Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director General of DHA.

According to the approved list of requirements, to qualify for the program students must meet the following criteria that include but are not limited to

• The candidate must be an Emirati national, who has a history of good conduct. The Emirati national should have completed his national service (if he is male) or has the necessary documents that prove that he has either been relieved or postponed from fulfilling his national service duties.

• The candidate must have completed high school and obtained scores that are equivalent or above the required score of each specialty. The candidate cannot apply if two years have passed since he received his high school degree.

• The candidate must pass a personality test conducted by the committee.

• According to the approved criteria list, Emirati nationals interested in applying for the program should not have received any scholarship from another entity during the time of his/her application. The candidate’s degree must be attested by the concerned authority and he/she should not hold a permanent or temporary job.

Meanwhile, as part of the program DHA will be responsible in covering all the educational fees of the students; including the registration fees, monthly allowance of Dh6,500 per month for medicine majors and Dh5,000 per month for paramedic and nursing.

DHA will also cover the insurance expenses and book expenses.

The Emirati high school students will be chosen by a committee based on this criteria and students interested in applying can do so by visiting the authority’s website.

A DHA study found that among the challenges that contributes to the shortage of Emirati nationals working in the medical field is the length of the medical programs, which can take up to seven years and is then followed by six to seven years in practical training.

Therefore, as part of the program, DHA will encourage the students to enter the field not only by covering their education but also by providing them with secured jobs after graduation at the authority’s hospitals and centres.

At Qatami hoped the program would encourage Emirati high school toppers to enter the medical field to meet the demand at DHA hospitals and centres.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.