Pharmacy practice and patient care are undergoing rapid transformations, requiring present and future pharmacists to take advantage of opportunities and tackle new and emerging challenges. The Commission for Academic Accreditation – Ministry of Education, UAE, in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (USA), the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (USA), will be organizing the ‘Pharmacy Education Summit 2019’ at Gulf Medical University, Ajman on the 6^th and 7^th of March 2019.

The summit aims to bring together all key stakeholders from the education, practice, regulation and accreditation sectors to articulate a national vision for Pharmacy education and training and identify strategies to prepare future pharmacy graduates and other members of the pharmacy workforce to advance pharmacy practice and contribute more effectively to patient care and serving the health needs of the UAE.

The summit will be addressed by top officials including Prof. Mohamed Yousif Baniyas – Director, Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE; Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri – Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practice and License Sector in UAE Ministry of Health, UAE; Dr. Mariam Galadari – Media and International Relations, Pharmacy Division Chairperson of the Emirates Medical Association, UAE; Dr. Ola Ghaleb Al Ahdab – Pharmaceutical Advisor, Drug Department & CPD – Pharma Founder & Program Manager, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE; and Dr. Stephen Arkle – Commissioner, Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE.

Renowned experts in pharmacy education, practice and regulation will lead various sessions of the summit. The three keynote speeches will be delivered by internationally distinguished experts Dr. Yousif Asiri – Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Vice Rector for Quality and Development, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Prof. Claire Anderson – Professor of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom; and Dr. Lucinda Maine – Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, United States of America.

Participants of the summit include Al Ain University of Science Technology, Ajman University, Dubai Pharmacy College, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Ras Al Khaimah Medical & Health Sciences University, United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, and Gulf Medical University.

Ajman, United Arab Emirates, February 24^th, 2019: As part of its efforts to further extend superior home health services in the Northern Emirates, Manzil Healthcare Services, the leading Home Health and Disease Management Company in UAE, has announced today its collaboration with Thumbay Hospital Group.

Manzil Healthcare Services is committed to offer a host of home health services for Thumbay Hospital patients, which include Post-Hospital Discharge care, Paediatric Care & Senior Care, Physiotherapy, Mother & Baby Services, Wound Care, Ventilated Care and other specialized home health services.

Dr. Sarper Tanli, Group CEO of Manzil Healthcare Services said: “We remain focused to extending superior home health services to the residents of UAE, and this collaboration is a testament to our commitment. A professional home-based medical care is the need of the hour, especially when the demand for home health services has increased by over 20% as compared to 2017-18. I am confident that the residents of the Northern Emirates will now have access to professional, individualized homecare and comprehensive disease management services extended to them through this collaboration with Thumbay Hospital Group, UAE’s leading healthcare group.”

Speaking of the collaboration Mr. Akbar Moideen, Vice President-Healthcare Division, Thumbay Group said: “We are very happy to collaborate with Manzil Healthcare Services, and we look forward to our patients benefiting immensely from the expert home care services of Manzil. The diversity in services and the quality of care offered by Manzil addresses the evolving medical needs and preferences of the society. We believe that continuity of care is important in delivering healthcare. This collaboration is our pledge to better patient care and healing. The collaborative services will certainly add great value to Thumbay’s commitment for quality medical care.”

The collaboration is also expected to add strength to the clinical expertise of Manzil Healthcare Services giving them access to Thumbay Hospital Group’s team of medical experts and doctors across specialties, who will be extending their care and consultations to Manzil.

The week-long inter-university sports festival hosted by Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman – the biggest sporting event of its kind in the country – concluded with a closing ceremony on 14^th February 2019, at the University campus. Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor – Academics of GMU was the chief guest for the closing ceremony.

Of the 26 Universities which participated this year, American University of Sharjah (AUS) emerged overall champions. BITS PIlani – Dubai were the runners up. Trophies were distributed to the winner and runners-up in different games, for both boys and girls.

Addressing the participants and spectators at the closing ceremony, Prof. Manda Venkatramana said that every year, GMU’s sports festival united the colleges of UAE in competitive sport.  “Sports and recreation are equally important in a student’s life, just as academic success,” he stressed. The closing ceremony involved the symbolic extinguishing the torch by the chief guest, signifying the close of the games.

Close to 1000 students participated in this year’s sports meet. Competitions were held in 226 events across 10 categories. The organizers said that the next year’s edition would be an even bigger event, with the inclusion of track and field events.

The closing ceremony was followed by a gala dinner attended by the participants.

His Excellency Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh, Member, Board of Trustees of Al Maktoum Foundation and Member, Board of Trustees of Gulf Medical University – the biggest private medical university in the region owned and operated by Thumbay Group, visited Thumbay Medicity, the hub of state-of-the-art medical education, healthcare and research, on 17^th February 2019. He was welcomed at Thumbay Medicity by Dr. Thumbay Moideen – Founder President of Thumbay Group.

The vision and future strategic directions of Thumbay Medicity was presented before H. E. Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh. He toured Thumbay Medicity’s state-of-the-art facilities for medical education, healthcare and research including Gulf Medical University, Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital and the soon to open Thumbay University Hospital.

Touring the hospitals and the university, H. E. Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh commended Thumbay Medicity for the excellent  facilities  for  healthcare  and  medical  education,  as  he  observed  the  various services at Thumbay Dental Hospital – the first private dental hospital in the country and the largest  academic  dental  hospital  in  the  Middle  East  region’s  private  sector,  as  well  as Thumbay  Physical  Therapy  and  Rehabilitation  Hospital  –  the  biggest  and  most  advanced hospital for physical therapy and rehabilitation. He appreciated Thumbay Group’s efforts in bringing the latest technology and innovation in healthcare and medical education to the region.

Dr.  Thumbay  Moideen  said  that  Thumbay  Medicity  is  envisioned  as  the  healthcare  and medical education hub of the region, to serve a floating population of 20,000 on completion. “The  soon-to-open  500-bed  academic  hospital  –  Thumbay  University  Hospital  –  the  largest private   academic   hospital   in   the   region,   combined   with   the   dental   and   rehabilitation hospitals  make  Thumbay  Medicity  a  unique  destination  for  specialized  care.  Thumbay Medicity is also a referral facility to which primary and secondary care hospitals and clinics refer serious cases,” he explained. The  specialized  hospitals  of  Thumbay  Medicity  are  Academic  Health  Centers  of  the  Gulf Medical   University   Academic   Health   System   (GMUAHS),   which   give   them   the   unique advantage  of  having  the  expertise  of  doctors  who  are  also  academicians  and  researchers. GMUAHS has the distinction of being the first private academic health system in the region.

Thumbay Medicity is one of the latest additions to the UAE’s healthcare sector, and the first such project in the private sector. Located in Ajman, Thumbay Medicity features the most modern technology and global expertise in teaching/training, healthcare delivery and research/innovation, attracting the best student and professional talent towards shaping the future of education, healthcare and research. Thumbay Medicity also features an array of leisure and hospitality amenities such as Body & Soul Health Club and Spa, Thumbay Food Court, The Terrace Restaurant, Blends & Brews Coffee Shoppe etc., as well as the Thumbay Housing Project to accommodate 2500 staff and students. Built with an investment of more than a billion UAE Dirhams, Thumbay Medicity has a total area of 1 million sq.ft. and built-up area of 1.2 million sq.ft.

More than 500 people participated in the Walkathon organized by Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital (TPTRH) at Thumbay Medicity, Ajman on 14^th February 2018, in support of the people of determination. The theme of the walkathon was ‘keep walking’, emphasizing the importance of encouraging the people of determination to achieve their dreams, at the same time, reminding the society of its responsibility towards them, in bringing them to the mainstream.

The walkathon was conducted under the CSR drive of Thumbay Group, supported by the Thumbay Foundation and Body & Soul Health Club & Spa, the award-winning chain of health clubs owned by Thumbay Group.

Over 100 special needs children participated in the walkathon, sending out a strong message of optimism and resolve. The event also had the participation of rehabilitation centers, special needs schools, government and private corporates, in addition to the active participation of school children.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President – Healthcare Division, Thumbay Group said, “We are proud of the UAE’s national strategy to empower people of determination and create an inclusive society for those with special needs and families, which has been the foundation of Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital. Through this event, we aim to reiterate our hospital’s commitment to supporting the people of determination, to help them lead successful lives and inspire them to keep walking.”

“The primary aim of Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital is to deliver clinical and service excellence for all rehabilitation needs and helping patients achieve their maximum level of function,” he added.

As the most cutting-edge physical therapy and rehabilitation facility in the region, TPTRH seeks to redefine the standards of physical rehabilitation by introducing innovation in the form of state-of-the-art technology, futuristic facilities, cutting-edge research and advanced learning. Innovation is one of the key features of the hospital. State-of-the-art rehabilitation treatment is delivered through advanced technology like virtual reality. The hospital operates in collaboration with internationally renowned Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Valduce Hospital, Italy. It is attached to Thumbay University Hospital, with 50 dedicated beds specially for rehab and a Therapeutic Garden for faster and holistic recovery.

In line with the UAE’s strategic directions of promoting happiness and positivity, Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, the leading medical university in the Middle East region has launched a ‘Student Happiness Department’, aimed to improve student happiness, in turn enhancing their curricular and extra-curricular performance and overall well-being. The move aims to embody a culture of happiness across the University, with the support of the students, faculty and administration.

“By launching a Student Happiness Department, we intend to ensure that each student reaches his/her maximum potential. The department has been entrusted with the responsibility of improving the quality of the student’s experience at GMU, by creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where students can learn, have fun and achieve, preparing them for future leadership roles,” said Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU, explaining the reason for introducing the new department.

The new department facilitates numerous resources, initiatives and events that empower students to achieve growth in academics, talents, life and leadership. The University has been organizing several events to promote happiness and camaraderie among its student community comprising 80+ nationalities. Apart from various clubs organized to hone the creative talents of students, GMU also has a bimonthly students’ newsletter publication called ‘Melange’. International tours which includes hospital/institution visits abroad are also organized for the students on a regular basis, with a recent trip to South Korea and an upcoming tour of Turkey. GMU also organizes annual sports meet, global day, cultural days, celebration of national/international events and festivals and health day celebrations.

With 6 colleges and 26 accredited programs, GMU has emerged as one of the most popular medical universities in the region, attracting students of 80+ nationalities, every year. The University offers many programs unique to the region. Undergraduate programs offered by GMU include Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Economics,  Biomedical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Imaging Sciences, Anesthesia Technology, Nursing. Graduate programs include Joint Masters in Health Professions Education, Master in Public Health, Executive Master in Healthcare Management and Economics, Master in Clinical Pharmacy, Master in Physical Therapy, Master in Environmental Health & Toxicology. The University also offers an Associate Degree in Preclinical Sciences (ADPCS) leading to MD/MBChB, with the clinical phase of the program at partner Universities in Ghana, Poland and Egypt. All programs are fully accredited by the the Commission for Academic Accreditation, Ministry of Education, UAE.

The second master class, to be led by renowned international expert on health management Prof. Bernardo Ramirez will be held at Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman at 11:30am on Saturday, 16^th February 2019.

The second Master Class in the seminar series on healthcare management, conducted by GMU’s newly launched College of Healthcare Management and Economics in association with the University of Central Florida will be held at the University campus on Saturday, the 16^th of February 2019. The seminar, titled ‘Health Management Competencies and Education for Value-Based Healthcare’ will be led by Prof. Bernardo Ramirez, Director of Global Health Initiatives of the Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida.

The seminar is important in view of the tremendous changes in demography, new technology, innovation in clinical practice and the regulatory environment taking place in the global healthcare sector, making the management of hospitals a highly complex and specialized task.  The concept of value-based healthcare is increasingly a driving force in health systems across the world. Healthcare organizations today are seeking innovative solutions to improve performance, control costs, and most importantly to produce value for patients and healthcare professionals. Health Management educational programs have been emerging to identify the key competencies needed to meet these challenges. The Master Class will discuss the most significant competencies that affect the implementation of value-based strategies, and training methodologies to achieve related learning outcomes.

Conducted free of charges for participants, the series of seminars is expected to bring to the UAE, the most up-to-date practices in healthcare management, hospital management, health economics, finance etc.  Participants will have their queries answered by the experts and seek career advices. The first Master Class in the series was conducted at Le Meridian, Dubai, on the 11^th of February 2019, themed ‘New Challenges for Clinicians and Managers’, presented by Prof. Federico Lega, Professor of Health Management at the University of Milan.

GMU’s College of Healthcare Management and Economics is a unique, specialized college of healthcare management and economics which aims to prepare the graduates to pursue careers in healthcare management, health economics, policy-making and administration in the region and internationally. The first full-fledged college of its kind in the Middle East region, it offers bachelor and master programs designed to respond to the constantly growing health industry. The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Economics (BSc. HME) is a four-year program designed to graduate professionals with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, its language and unique culture. The Executive Master in Healthcare Management and Economics (EMHME) is a 12-month program designed to benefit middle to senior level professionals in the healthcare industry.

The programs offered by the College of Healthcare Management and Economics are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation, Ministry of Education, UAE. The programs are offered in collaboration with leading international universities, the University of Milan, University of Arizona, American University of Cairo, University of Central Florida, etc. The college is a member of the European Healthcare Management Association.

Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, the leading medical university in the Middle East region has entered into an agreement with University of Central Florida (UCF), Florida, one of the largest universities in the US with around 67,000 students, for collaboration in offering the Executive Master’s Program in Healthcare Management and Economics (EMHME) launched by GMU’s College of Healthcare Management and Economics.

The agreement between both the universities was signed at the UCF campus on 6^th February 2018, represented by Prof. Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of GMU and Prof. J. Jeffrey Jones, Vice Provost of UCF Board of Trustees. The MoU signed between both the universities will promote joint initiatives in teaching, research and community outreach, in addition to facilitating student and faculty exchanges between both the institutions. Both the universities will also undertake joint research and development activities, jointly organize courses/conferences/symposia and launch joint academic programs.

The 12-month Executive Master’s Program in Healthcare Management and Economics program, established to benefit middle to senior level professionals in the healthcare industry, seeks to help working professionals to improve their career prospects and widen their professional networks. It equips graduates with broad knowledge and skills in management, policy, economics, and in-depth experience in healthcare industry, innovation and informatics. These types of graduates will be highly needed for the healthcare sector and all related future businesses and services. The program will start from September 2019.

In addition to the Master’s program, GMU’s College of Healthcare Management and Economics also offers a four year Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Economics (BSc. HME) designed to graduate professionals with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, its language and unique culture. This program will start from March 2019.

The programs offered by the College of Healthcare Management and Economics are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation, Ministry of Education, UAE. Other leading international Universities collaborating with GMU for delivering the programs include the University of Milan, University of Arizona, American University of Cairo, etc. The college is a member of the European Healthcare Management Association. The faculty for the executive master’s program are top academicians and practitioners from renowned international institutions in the US, UK, France and Italy.

Over the coming few months, a series of seminars will be offered by the College of Healthcare Management and Economics, covering various aspects of the advancement and future of healthcare management. The first Master Class in the series was conducted at Le Meridian, Dubai, on the 11^th of February 2019, themed ‘New Challenges for Clinicians and Managers’ presented by Prof. Federico Lega, Professor of Health Management at the University of Milan. The second Master Class in the seminar series, titled ‘Health Management Competencies and Education for Value-Based Healthcare’ will be held on the 16^th of February 2019, led by Prof. Bernardo Ramirez, Director of Global Health Initiatives of the Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida

The newly launched College of Healthcare Management and Economics of Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, the leading medical university in the Gulf region has started a series of seminars on healthcare management. The first Master Class in the series will be conducted at Le Meridian, Dubai, on the 11th of February 2019, themed ‘New Challenges for Clinicians and Managers’, presented by Prof. Federico Lega, Professor of Health Management at the University of Milan.

The seminar is important in view of the tremendous changes in demography, new technology, innovation in clinical practice and the regulatory environment taking place in the global healthcare sector, making the management of hospitals a highly complex and specialized task. The advances in healthcare technology which is happening at a rapid pace has implications on the management of healthcare establishments.  Big data analytics will influence financial models and facilitate maximum utilization of resources, with best outcomes.

Conducted free of charges for participants, the series of seminars is expected to bring to the UAE, the most up-to-date practices in healthcare management, hospital management, health economics, finance etc.  Participants will have their queries answered by the experts and seek career advices. The second Master Class in the seminar series, titled ‘Health Management Competencies and Education for Value-Based Healthcare’ will be held on 16th February 2019, led by Prof. Bernardo Ramirez, Director of Global Health Initiatives of the Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida.

GMU’s College of Healthcare Management and Economics is a unique, specialized college of healthcare management and economics which aims to prepare the graduates to pursue careers in healthcare management, health economics, policy-making and administration in the region and internationally. The first full-fledged college of its kind in the Middle East region, it offers bachelor and master programs designed to respond to the constantly growing health industry. The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Economics (BSc. HME) is a four-year program designed to graduate professionals with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, its language and unique culture. The Executive Master in Healthcare Management and Economics (EMHME) is a 12-month program designed to benefit middle to senior level professionals in the healthcare industry.

The programs offered by the College of Healthcare Management and Economics are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation, Ministry of Education, UAE. The programs are offered in collaboration with leading international universities, the University of Milan, University of Arizona, American University of Cairo, University of Central Florida, etc. The college is a member of the European Healthcare Management Association.