The Mental Health Conference, organized by the Emirates Health Services (EHS) at the Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai, was launched today under the theme “Transformation in Mental Health Care”, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Issam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of Medical Services at EHS. A number experts in the field of psychiatry and behavioural specialists from around the world attended the event.
In his opening speech, H.E. Dr. Issam Al Zarooni said the theme of the conference, reflects the vision of the nation’s leadership and its relentless efforts to enhance the nation’s health services sector. The UAE leadership has spared no effort in enhancing the quality of life and supporting the mental health of all segments of the society. These efforts culminated in the launch of many policies in the health sector, including the launch of the “National Policy to Promote Mental Health”, which emphasises the importance the UAE places on this pivotal sector, and the significant role mental health plays in creating healthy societies.
Al Zarooni explained that mental health is an integral part of human health and well-being. EHS, as a leading institution in the field of providing health care services, seeks to provide pioneering health services by adopting a modern health system in line with its aspirations that comply with the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, and The National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health. The initiatives of EHS are also aligned with the goals of “We Are the Emirates 2031”, leading to achieving the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071.
Dr. Noor Al Muhairi, Director of Psychiatric Health Department at EHS, explained that the conference discussed four pillars: innovation in mental health, boosting community mental health, quality of working life and prevention of mental disorders.
Dr. Al Muhairi noted that the conference reflects a growing focus on achieving the holistic transformation of mental health tools and concepts to provide treatment plans and proactive programmes that will contribute to enhancing the quality of mental health and make psychological treatment an integral part of general health. This ensures that seeking psychological treatment is no longer a social stigma.
The conference was attended by doctors, psychiatrists, and mental health specialists from around the world with the goal of enhancing mental health services that meet the highest standards. The event also aimed at strengthening the growing recognition of the role that mental health plays in achieving global development goals, as well as providing the mental health care community with knowledge and skills on the latest concepts, practices and future expectations.
Over the course of two days, a series of dialogue sessions and accompanying workshops were held. The conference discussed future issues in this vital sector, including a review of the MetaHealth Metaverse platform, which is the first health care platform in the world launched by the EHS using the first 3D virtual reality technology. Sever discussions will be held on the themes of mental health and rehabilitation, ways to reduce stigma related to mental health, and addressing national plans on mental health policy, in addition to a session on the latest mental health innovations.
The conference also evaluated topics such as risk management in mental health, smart digital treatments for adolescents, and the promotion and protection of mental health at work. A workshop on the assessment and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder for primary care practitioners was also held.