Nafis opens applications for UAE nationals to join new batch of national healthcare schemes

Abu Dhabi: Nafis today announced the opening of registration to join the second batch of the national healthcare scheme, which aims to attract 2,000 UAE nationals by 2023 and eventually 10,000 nationals into healthcare jobs by 2026.

Nafis, the UAE Council for Talent Competitiveness, aims to develop the capabilities of the nation’s workforce.

Primarily aimed at high school graduates, the program provides students with scholarships, monthly awards, and post-graduation job opportunities if they meet the required criteria. This is part of efforts to encourage and increase national participation in all priority economic sectors, especially healthcare. The number of Emirati students who joined the first cohort of the program reached 1,417 last year.

The program offers two tracks of study, the first of which is a multi-professional bachelor’s degree program, including Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacology, Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Imaging, Physiotherapy, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology.

The second track includes specialized health care programs for support roles, offering diplomas for occupations such as health assistant, nursing assistant, pharmacy technician, laboratory technician, radiographer, physical therapist, dental assistant, and a diploma in emergency medical services.

The program is offered at seven academic institutions in the UAE: Higher Institute of Technology, Fatima College of Health Sciences, University of Fujairah, University of Sharjah, University of Ajman, Gulf Medical University, and University of Ras Al Khaimah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences .

UAE nationals can enroll in the program through the Nafis website, or select their desired academic institution by following the link in the Nafis profile on social media. The registration deadline for the program is mid-August.

Approval to join the program is subject to meeting the conditions and requirements set by the academic institution, including age, passing exams and interviews, and agreeing to work in a healthcare institution within the UAE after graduation.

Aisha Belharfia, Acting Undersecretary for Emiratization and Assistant Undersecretary for Labour, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), said: “The healthcare sector is highly valued by the UAE’s wise leadership, Consider it one of the most important and priority sectors because of its role in ensuring a healthy society on the one hand and establishing the UAE as a global hub for medical tourism and leading healthcare services on the other.”

She encouraged graduates and job seekers to benefit from the opportunities the program offers to Emiratis who wish to work in various fields and specialties of the healthcare industry, and commended the efforts of the program partners.

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the UAE Talent Competitiveness Council, said: “The program provides top-notch academic training and qualifies UAE nationals to join private healthcare institutions, in line with our wise leadership’s push for healthcare Instructions for industry and development. Increase the contribution of UAE nationals to this important sector.”

He added: “Implemented by a number of academic institutions in partnership with Nafis, the National Healthcare Program offers an extensive training program that meets the best international standards and aims to prepare nationals and improve their skills for professional work in the country .Healthcare industry. The program will provide more qualified and skilled Emiratis in the healthcare industry by providing fully-funded scholarships, monthly awards and job opportunities upon graduation.”