COVID-19: Abu Dhabi health drive targets elderly and high-risk patients

People with chronic diseases and the elderly are prioritised in a new Abu Dhabi healthcare campaign to ensure their treatment continues without interruption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) and the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Company, Daman, have launched the programme to provide high-risk individuals in the emirate with comprehensive care.

Elderly citizens and residents over the age of 60 suffering from chronic conditions will be in the initial target group of 12,000 patients.

The drive is part of the 'Community Healthcare programme for senior citizens suffering from chronic diseases’.

It aims to continue treatment plans for high-risk groups who are more prone to experiencing complications as a result of a COVID-19 infection, in addition to safeguarding the health and well-being of the community.

Dr Hamed Al Hashemi, Director of Strategic Affairs at DoH, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with many challenges, however, it has not hindered our efforts to provide all members of society with the healthcare services they need. We have been keen to develop new ways to ensure the availability of continuous and integrated healthcare services and ensure timely access for everyone in the emirate."

"The elderly and individuals with chronic diseases are our main priority. It is critical that we ensure their health conditions are well monitored and that they continue their treatment plans uninterrupted, especially in light of current restrictions imposed following the pandemic," Al Hashemi added.