Sheikh Mohammed launches online initiative to train one million paramedics globally

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a programme called “Waterfalls” to train one million paramedics across the world.

Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, will oversee the programme which will include training across 14 medical sectors.

It is being rolled out in cooperation with 140 experts and 67 training institutions based around the world.

.@HHShkMohd launches a new health initiative to train one million paramedics remotely globally in cooperation with 140 experts and 67 training institutions and academies from around the world. #UAE

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 12, 2020

“The UAE today has launched a health initiative to provide distance training in [the] medical field and ambulance services for [a] million trainees across the world,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted on Wednesday night.

The Waterfalls Initiative for Continuous Education intends to deliver continuous education for around one million doctors, physicians, pharmacists, technicians, and specialists in the hospital management sector and the humanitarian field, reported official news agency WAM.

This project stemming from the UAE’s Ministry of Possibilities and INDEX Holding, in cooperation with Aqdar World Summit, will support frontline healthcare workers through a number of webinars hosted by local and international speakers and lecturers from around the world.

Those who undergo the programme will obtain a training certificate and approved hours from the international scientific and academic bodies participating in the initiative.

Participants can undertake the distance learning programme without having to leave their current jobs.

“The UAE is an active part of the world’s healthcare system and aims to empower medical cadres around the world,” said Sheikh Saif. “Medical cadres have proven that they are a national wealth in their countries, and we must protect them and reinforce their capacities to fight the coronavirus.”

Earlier this week, Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research – the first independent multi-disciplinary biomedical research centre in the UAE with its own board of trustees – which will focus its research on communicable diseases in the country, including Covid-19.

Read: Sheikh Mohammed inaugurates Dhs300m medical research facility in Dubai

As part of the country’s digital healthcare facilities, UAE-based Mulk Healthcare recently announced the launch of the Middle East’s first digital hospital with a network of 2,000 doctors and access to diagnostic clinics, hospitals and medical experts.

Read: UAE’s Mulk Healthcare launches Middle East’s first digital hospital