Sheikh Sultan directs adding hydrotherapy at university hospital

Jihan Shuaib, Staff Reporter

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, directed the addition of hydrotherapy at the University Hospital in Sharjah, setting up new physical therapy departments, and increasing services provided to patients, especially the elderly.

Sheikh Sultan also directed the establishment of university hospitals at the level of the emirate’s cities. It is worth noting that the establishment of University hospital in Dibba Al-Hisn and Al Madam is underway, and work is scheduled to begin at the University hospital in the city of Kalba, according to statements by Dr Abdul Aziz Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority, with journalist Ahmed Sultan on the “Direct Line” programme, aired on Sharjah Radio and Television Authority.

Al Muhairi revealed that the first open MRI device arrived at the University Hospital, and was already installed. The device is said to have an accuracy of up to 1.2 Tesla and it is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It is greatly beneficial for elderly patients who are bothered by the closed device.

Regarding health insurance for employees and retirees of the Sharjah Government, Al Muhairi said that its cost amounted to Dhs750 million this year, while it was Dhs30 million in 2012, stressing that 117,000 employees and retirees of the Sharjah government are benefiting from it, in addition to their family members.

He also pointed out that the number of Sharjah citizens aged 55 years and above, and the people of determination benefitting from health insurance for treatment at the University Hospital in particular, reached 11,000.