Ajman University Signs Memorandum of Understanding with NAFIS

Ajman University (AU), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NAFIS, the federal program that supports the participation of UAE nationals in the workforce, primarily in the private sector. NAFIS is part of the "National Healthcare Program" aimed at enhancing the presence of UAE nationals in the private healthcare sector.

Under the agreement, NAFIS will offer students paid scholarships at AU, in addition to advanced training programs, access to labs & workshops and the help of specialized professionals that will facilitate them with the necessary experience in the healthcare sector to reach the benchmark competency level. The initiative also aims to incorporate the newest technologies that will help prepare future physicians to practice in the changing health care environment and increase the opportunities for nationals, promoting their presence in the private healthcare sector.

The “National Healthcare Program” initiative offers several academic programs that include academic programs for high school graduates, Diploma or Higher Diploma in Emergency Medicine, and the Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, in addition to a number of other practical and specialized healthcare and healthcare assistant programs that fully satisfy the high standards of training required of all programs. However, to begin with, AU will be offering Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, a program designed to produce skilled, confident healthcare professionals who can provide world-class medical care and handle the day-to-day challenges of the highly demanding healthcare profession.

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General, Emirati Talent Competitive Councils said: “The UAE is keen to develop and strengthen the national health care system to meet the requirements and needs of its people. Academic institutions are the primary source for the upbringing of a qualified national cadre in the healthcare field. By providing curricula and training programs specialized in health care, academic institutions are making an important contribution to support the ambitious health care plans in the country.”

Al Mazrouei noted that the partnership of NAFIS with the educational institutions is in line with the vision of the leadership that aims to promote cooperation between all government and private sectors and support the implementation of NAFIS initiatives and programs. He also added that NAFIS will work to provide the necessary budget to cover the expenses of the qualifications and study programs that will be provided by the educational institutions as part of this initiative.

Saif Ahmed Al Suwaidi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for Emiratisation Affairs, said: “The importance of the healthcare sector has increased significantly over the past few years, especially in light of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which the healthcare team emerged as an essential part of the line of defense. We have also witnessed a significant increase in the numbers of specialists in the health care and nursing sector as a result of the unlimited support that this sector receives from the UAE government.”

Al Suwaidi added: “In recognition of the Government’s efforts in developing the healthcare sector, it is our top priority to increase the participation of UAE nationals in the sector, and enhance their potential to enable them to acquire the qualifications and skills they need to be highly successful healthcare professionals.”