DOHMS to drive employee ICT proficiency

The Dubai Government’s Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), the government authority managing Dubai’s healthcare sector, recently signed an IT literacy agreement covering its employees with the ICDL GCC Foundation, the governing body and certification authority of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) program in the Gulf.

Under the terms of the agreement, ICDL GCC will recognize DOHMS as an internally accredited center for ICDL training. The landmark accord was signed by H.E. Khalid Ahmed Al Sheikh Mubarak, Assistant General Director for Administrative and Financial Affairs, DOHMS; and Jamil Ezzo, Director General, ICDL GCC Foundation.

H.E. Al Sheikh Mubarak emphasized the significance of the agreement, saying that the DOHMS remains committed to sustaining measures it initiated in 2005 and as per the directions of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai to qualify and train administrative and medical personnel on basic information and communications technology skills. He added that the initiative will enhance healthcare quality by efficiently automating medical information, which in turn will improve patient monitoring and treatment.

“Following the directives of our officials, we have been closely following and updating ourselves on global medical developments and adopting international technologies to better serve our patients. The signing of this agreement will help DOHMS to efficiently integrate IT elements into its programs to meet various Department needs while expanding the technology proficiency of our staff in different areas,” said Mubarak.

Mubarak further explained that the agreement reflects his Department’s intention of developing its staff particularly in computer skills so as to minimize time and effort. This would streamline the work process and thus allow the provision of healthcare and medical treatment to more patients.

“Our partnership with DOHMS forms part of our efforts to enhance IT proficiency and economic activity in the healthcare sector throughout the Gulf. Besides enhancing healthcare capabilities, the IT skills provided by the ICDL GCC Foundation will expand the job opportunities of healthcare workers and allow them to meet various organizational needs aside from boosting overall productivity,” added Ezzo.

Ezzo stated that digital information is highly welcomed in the Gulf’s healthcare sector, as evidenced by the adoption of ICDL programs within various health ministries and medical institutions throughout the region. The ICDL GCC official explained that the ICDL study curriculum comprises seven classes which cover computer essentials and basic applications. He added that the Foundation recently included a new class dedicated to the medical sector which teaches best practices, techniques and services related to the use of IT in medical information management and in healthcare services in general. The class can be customized to fit diverse work environments supported by medical organizations across the Gulf.