Latest news with #MinistryofHealthandPrevention
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
Sharjah campaign targets 10,000 workers to combat heat exhaustion
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collaboration with the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) in Sharjah and a network of government and private sector partners, has completed three key phases of the 14th Heat Exhaustion and Disease Prevention Campaign. Running from July to August under the theme 'Your Safety is Our Priority,' the campaign coincides with the midday work ban, aiming to raise health awareness among outdoor workers and field personnel regarding the dangers of heat stress during the summer. Reaching workers The campaign has so far targeted more than 4,000 individuals across various sites, beginning in Sharjah City and extending to Al Hamriyah and Al Dhaid in the central region. Activities included educational lectures on the risks, symptoms, and treatments of heat stress, as well as best practices for prevention and first aid. In addition, the campaign provided free medical screenings and distributed essential preventive supplies to workers. Targeting both workers and employers The campaign's awareness activities, which run throughout the week across all regions of Sharjah, featured field visits to multiple sites. The visits focused on raising awareness among construction workers about proper health practices during the summer and equipping them with guidelines to help avoid heat stress risks. Employers in factories and construction sites were also engaged, educating them on the importance of adopting protective measures to ensure worker safety during the high-temperature season. These efforts were carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Sharjah Prevention and Safety Authority. Reaching diverse segments The campaign also covered workers at fuel stations, public parks, parking facilities, and delivery services, providing them with vital information and preventive guidelines to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion. It also organized educational activities for community members, including housewives and university students, in collaboration with the Emirates Friends of Seniors' Citizens Association and Al Qasimia University in Sharjah. These activities aimed to highlight the importance of health protection during the summer, promote a culture of healthy living, and encourage participants to share the knowledge and preventive measures with domestic helpers. The campaign seeks to reach 10,000 workers as part of a comprehensive national initiative that places human well-being at the centre of community development, in line with the goals of the 'Year of Community 2025.' The campaign also supports national efforts to enhance public health and foster cross-sector partnerships to improve quality of life across Sharjah. Healthy working environment Mohammed Abdullah Al Zarooni, Director of MoHAP's Representative Office in Sharjah, stressed that the campaign is a humanitarian initiative that embodies the values of social responsibility and contributes significantly to promoting health awareness across all segments of society, particularly among outdoor labourers. He stressed that the campaign supports government efforts to safeguard labour rights and ensure a healthy work environment, in accordance with WHO standards and the human-focused objectives of the Year of Community. Improving quality of life in Sharjah The Health Promotion Department at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, represented by the Friends of Kidney Patients Association in Sharjah, intensified efforts to support the campaign's goal of improving quality of life and promoting public health. The campaign also focused on building a health-conscious culture that encourages positive behaviours to protect workers from heat stress. The Council's active participation highlighted the importance of unifying efforts and enhancing cooperation to ensure the campaign's success, while reaffirming the need to provide a safe and supportive work environment that honours the vital role of workers in society. Campaign Partners Partners supporting the campaign include the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Police, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah Sports Council, Labour Standards Development Authority, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Prevention and Safety Authority, Sharjah Volunteering Centre, Sharjah Coop, Sharjah Charity International, the Friends of Kidney Patients Association, Emirates Red Crescent, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Fast Building Contracting, Al Jaber Optical, Medcare Group, Aster DM Healthcare, Burjeel Specialty Hospital, NMC Hospital, Zulekha Hospital, Life Pharmacy Group and Gaia Healthcare.
Arabian Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE to introduce sugar tax for beverages from 2026
The UAE will introduce a new tiered sugar tax from 2026 as it looks to promote public health and reduce consumption of sugary drinks. The UAE Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority (FTA) announced a major revision to the excise tax framework on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), introducing a new sugar-based tiered tax system that will take effect in early 2026. Unlike the current flat-rate model, the new system will link the tax per litre of beverage directly to its sugar content per 100ml—meaning the higher the sugar concentration, the higher the tax. UAE sugar tax This reform aligns with the UAE's national health strategy to reduce sugar consumption, combat lifestyle-related diseases, and promote healthier dietary habits among consumers. The amendment reflects a shift toward data-driven policy that incentivises manufacturers to reduce sugar levels in their products and empowers consumers to make more informed choices. It also supports regional efforts to harmonise tax policy across the Gulf and reinforces the strategic use of taxation as a tool to drive sustainable development. Developed in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the new model is part of a long-term strategy to improve public health outcomes through fiscal legislation. Businesses—including importers, suppliers, and manufacturers—will have sufficient time to adapt, with comprehensive awareness campaigns and technical guidance set to launch ahead of the 2026 rollout. Further details, including implementing legislation and compliance requirements, will be released in the coming months.
Dubai Eye
6 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE excise tax on sweetened beverages to vary by sugar content
The UAE is introducing a major change to its excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. The Ministry of Finance and the Federal Tax Authority have announced a new tiered tax system that links the tax rate per litre to the drink's sugar content per 100ml. This means: the more sugar a drink contains, the higher the tax it will face — replacing the current flat-rate tax across all sugary drinks. Set to take effect at the start of 2026, the change is part of a wider push to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce sugar consumption, and encourage manufacturers to cut back on sugar in their products. Authorities say the updated model better reflects the health impact of sugar and gives consumers more power to make informed dietary choices. The new system was developed in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and aligns with the UAE's sustainable development goals. Officials have confirmed that businesses will be given ample time to adjust, with support and awareness campaigns planned to ensure a smooth transition. This also includes updating internal systems, reviewing product formulations and ensuring that their records with the Federal Tax Authority are aligned with the requirements of the enhanced model. More details are expected soon as the final legislation is prepared. Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority announced a change in how the Excise Tax on sweetened beverages is applied. — وزارة المالية | الإمارات (@MOFUAE) July 18, 2025
Hi Dubai
16-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
MoHAP Launches Digital System to Streamline Healthcare Fine Collection and Boost Efficiency
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has rolled out a new digital system to automate the collection of healthcare fines, aiming to boost financial compliance, reduce bureaucracy, and support the UAE's digital transformation goals. Part of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, the system offers a unified platform that simplifies fine payments, improves task management, and enhances technical support. By fully automating financial procedures, the initiative enables healthcare providers to focus more on patient care while reducing administrative overhead. Officials say the platform improves data accuracy, accelerates service delivery, and aligns with federal debt collection laws. It also strengthens regulatory compliance across the private healthcare sector, paving the way for a more flexible and competitive environment. Abdullah Ahli, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Support Services Sector, called the system a 'major advancement in violation management,' noting that it provides a faster and more transparent process for resolving fines. He highlighted the Ministry's broader strategy to build strong public-private partnerships and improve healthcare competitiveness. Amna Al Mandoos, Head of the Revenue Section at MoHAP, said the system supports national goals under We the UAE 2031 by offering multiple digital payment options, reducing errors, and enhancing customer satisfaction. She emphasized its role in easing compliance and boosting operational efficiency across healthcare facilities. The initiative marks a key step in MoHAP's wider adoption of emerging technologies to modernize public services and deliver smarter, more sustainable healthcare solutions. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
03-06-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
MoHAP launches 'Hajj Safely' to support pilgrims at UAE's airports
3 June 2025 22:04 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched the 'Hajj Safely' campaign to support pilgrims travelling to perform Hajj from the UAE's airports. In a post on its official X account, the ministry said: "For a safe and healthy Hajj', we have provided support at the country's airports to pilgrims before the start of their journey, offering health and safety guidelines and conducting medical examinations. We wish all pilgrims an easy and safe journey, beginning with prevention and ending with health and wellbeing." The ministry offered health and safety guidelines to educate the pilgrims before travelling and administered the necessary medical examinations. For a 'safe and healthy Hajj', we provided support at the country's airports to pilgrims before the start of their journey, offering health and safety guidelines and conducting medical examinations. We wish all pilgrims an easy and safe journey, beginning with prevention and… — وزارة الصحة ووقاية المجتمع - MOHAP UAE (@mohapuae) June 3, 2025 Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
