Experts Discuss Roadmap for UAE’s Pharmacy Education at the ‘UAE Pharmacy Education Summit’ Hosted by Gulf Medical University

Renowned experts from the fields of pharmacy education, academics, pharmacy sciences and accreditation converged at Gulf Medical University, Ajman – a leading medical university of the Middle East region – to discuss the action plan and road map for improving the standards of pharmacy education in the country, to equip future pharmacy graduates with the skills, knowledge and perspectives to tackle emerging challenges and to play a greater role in the changing nature of pharmacy practice. Organized by the Commission for Academic Accreditation – Ministry of Education, UAE, in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (USA), the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (USA), the summit was held on 6^th and 7^th March 2019.

Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU said that pharmacy education is an integrated practice, requiring pharmacy students to have a deeper level of interaction with other health sciences.

Leading officials and experts addressed the opening session on a variety of issues related to pharmacy practice and education. Addressing the opening session, Prof. Mohamed Yousif Baniyas -Director, Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE said that the focal areas of the conference included formulating a strategy of higher education in pharmacy studies for the country, as well as facilitating international accreditations among institutions and enhancing applied learning in pharmacy.

Dr. Mariam Galadari – Media and International Relations, Pharmacy Division Chairperson of the Emirates Medical Association, UAE said that the future vision of the country with regard to pharmacy education envisioned a greater role for pharmacists in disease management and total patient care. “Pharmacists will assume a greater role in community settings and in developing systems of care,” she added. Dr. Ola Ghaleb Al Ahdab – Pharmaceutical Advisor, Drug Department & CPD – Pharma Founder & Program Manager, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE stressed that providing world-class healthcare is one of the priority areas of the UAE’s National Agenda 2021. Dr. Stephen Arkle – Commissioner, Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE observed that pharmacy programs offered by UAE Universities and colleges are able to attract serious and able students, as well as good quality faculty from around the world.

The two keynote speeches at the summit were delivered by internationally distinguished experts Prof. Claire Anderson – Professor of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom; and Dr. Lucinda Maine – Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, United States of America.

Participating academic institutions in the summit included Al Ain University of Science Technology, Ajman University, Dubai Pharmacy College, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Ras Al Khaimah Medical & Health Sciences University, University of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi University, and Gulf Medical University.

GMU students from 80+ nationalities celebrated their cultures, showcasing costumes, food and talents, before a huge crowd of 4000+ attendees

The annual Global Day celebrations of Gulf Medical University (GMU) – Ajman, a leading medical University in the Middle East region was celebrated with pomp and splendor at the University campus, on 2^nd March 2019. Organized every year to appreciate the cultural diversity of the students and staff of GMU, the event was a convergence of cultural and traditions of the 80+ nationalities that form the student cohort of GMU.

Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU was the chief guest of GMU Global Day 2019. Accompanied by the Vice Chancellors and Deans, the Chancellor toured the country pavilions where students had exhibited the food and costumes, as well as other exhibits relevant to their culture and history. Country pavilions displaying glimpses from the culture and heritage of various countries and serving traditional food were set up at the University ground. Pavilions were set up by students of UAE, other Middle East Countries, as well as Asian and African countries.

More than 4000 attendees including the students and staff of the University as well as their families and friends gathered at the University grounds to join the Global Day celebrations. Admiring the students’ efforts, Prof. Hossam Hamdy said that the annual Global Day was an occasion to celebrate the togetherness of GMU’s students and staff, emphasizing the University’s ‘Unity in Diversity’.

The evening also had colorful music and dance performances by the students dressed in their respective traditional attires and entertaining the audience with some great displays of talent. Prizes were awarded for the best performances. Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor – Academics, gave away the prizes.

Celebrated every year, the GMU Global Day seeks to admire the unity in cultural diversity of GMU’s student community hailing from over 80 nationalities. The event gives the students an opportunity to display the essence of their ethnicities and cultures, at the same time getting to know and appreciate each other’s culture.

Thumbay Group today announces a new partnership with Noon, an e-commerce platform, to strengthen its e-commerce presence within UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other GCC countries.

For the first time, Thumbay has entered the digital marketspace through Noon – allowing its entire range of products including optical and nutrition portfolio to be available through an online platform.

The partnership will see Thumbay Retail Division comprising of Thumbay Pharmacy, Nutri Plus Vita Store, Zo&Mo Opticals and Flower Shoppe, working closely with Noon on getting all the product range that includes Premium Skincare, Baby Care, Eyewear, Medical Equipment and Nutrition products on the Noon marketplace, ensuring curated digital experience.

Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, VP Healthcare Division & Member of Thumbay Group Board, said: “We are thrilled about our partnership with Noon. Thumbay Retail Division has led the way in digital and this is a natural and significant transformation for us as we seek to reach e-commerce driven consumers.

“We want the digital expression of our brand to represent the very best in the brands and products we offer whether on our own platforms or through our partners, and Noon customers can now access the full range of our products.”

As part of the fostering relationships, Thumbay and Noon will also explore joint opportunities in marketing, know-how and best practices sharing in a bid to help grow online shopping in the region.

Dubai-based global conglomerate Thumbay Group was honored with the ‘Corporate Event of the Year’ award at the prestigious MALT Excellence Awards on 27^th February 2019. Mr. Akram Moideen Thumbay – Director Operations of the Construction & Renovation Division, Director of Thumbay Technologies and Member of Thumbay Group Board, also the Chairman of Thumbay Group’s CSR Committee, received the award at the ceremony held at Rixos Premium Hotel, JBR, Dubai, held in conjunction with the MICE Arabia and Luxury Travel Congress.

Thumbay Group was chosen for the award for its ‘Joy of Giving’ program conducted last year, a month-long initiative to support needy children and bring happiness to their lives, launched by Thumbay Foundation, the charitable arm that supports the CSR activities of Thumbay Group. The campaign encouraged people to donate books, toys, clothes, school stationaries and painting materials for needy children and orphans. The conclusion of the campaign was marked marked by a grand event where the donated items, collected and packed, were be gifted to orphans from across the UAE, as Eid Al Adha gifts.

Expressing happiness at the recognition for Thumbay Group’s CSR Committee’s ‘Joy of Giving’ initiative, Mr. Akram Moideen Thumbay said: “Thumbay Group’s commitment to CSR and the effectiveness of our various initiatives in this direction are definitely creating an impact and touching lives. It gives is immense pleasure when our programs are recognized at platforms like these, further strengthening our enthusiasm to give back to the society. Through initiatives like the ‘Joy of Giving’ benefiting the needy children and orphans, we hope to inspire kids to dream of a better life for themselves.”

The CSR Committee oversees the CSR activities and programs of Thumbay Group. It discusses and decides on practices relating to the company’s corporate social responsibility on a global basis, including matters related to education, health and safety, environment and community welfare. The committee has successfully carried out several CSR programs at various parts of the country, promoting causes and activities benefiting low-income groups, women, children, various professional groups etc. Free medical and health camps for the public led by Thumbay hospitals and clinics are a regular activity conducted under the committee’s guidance and supervision, benefiting thousands of people, especially blue-collar workers. The committee also facilitates scholarships and financial assistances for academically bright and financially backward students desirous of pursuing professional medical courses.

Pharmacy practice and patient care are undergoing rapid transformations, requiring present and future pharmacists to take advantage of opportunities and tackle new and emerging challenges. The Commission for Academic Accreditation – Ministry of Education, UAE, in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (USA), the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (USA), will be organizing the ‘Pharmacy Education Summit 2019’ at Gulf Medical University, Ajman on the 6^th and 7^th of March 2019.

The summit aims to bring together all key stakeholders from the education, practice, regulation and accreditation sectors to articulate a national vision for Pharmacy education and training and identify strategies to prepare future pharmacy graduates and other members of the pharmacy workforce to advance pharmacy practice and contribute more effectively to patient care and serving the health needs of the UAE.

The summit will be addressed by top officials including Prof. Mohamed Yousif Baniyas – Director, Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE; Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri – Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practice and License Sector in UAE Ministry of Health, UAE; Dr. Mariam Galadari – Media and International Relations, Pharmacy Division Chairperson of the Emirates Medical Association, UAE; Dr. Ola Ghaleb Al Ahdab – Pharmaceutical Advisor, Drug Department & CPD – Pharma Founder & Program Manager, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE; and Dr. Stephen Arkle – Commissioner, Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE.

Renowned experts in pharmacy education, practice and regulation will lead various sessions of the summit. The three keynote speeches will be delivered by internationally distinguished experts Dr. Yousif Asiri – Professor of Clinical Pharmacy and Vice Rector for Quality and Development, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Prof. Claire Anderson – Professor of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom; and Dr. Lucinda Maine – Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, United States of America.

Participants of the summit include Al Ain University of Science Technology, Ajman University, Dubai Pharmacy College, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Ras Al Khaimah Medical & Health Sciences University, United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, and Gulf Medical University.

Ajman, United Arab Emirates, February 24^th, 2019: As part of its efforts to further extend superior home health services in the Northern Emirates, Manzil Healthcare Services, the leading Home Health and Disease Management Company in UAE, has announced today its collaboration with Thumbay Hospital Group.

Manzil Healthcare Services is committed to offer a host of home health services for Thumbay Hospital patients, which include Post-Hospital Discharge care, Paediatric Care & Senior Care, Physiotherapy, Mother & Baby Services, Wound Care, Ventilated Care and other specialized home health services.

Dr. Sarper Tanli, Group CEO of Manzil Healthcare Services said: “We remain focused to extending superior home health services to the residents of UAE, and this collaboration is a testament to our commitment. A professional home-based medical care is the need of the hour, especially when the demand for home health services has increased by over 20% as compared to 2017-18. I am confident that the residents of the Northern Emirates will now have access to professional, individualized homecare and comprehensive disease management services extended to them through this collaboration with Thumbay Hospital Group, UAE’s leading healthcare group.”

Speaking of the collaboration Mr. Akbar Moideen, Vice President-Healthcare Division, Thumbay Group said: “We are very happy to collaborate with Manzil Healthcare Services, and we look forward to our patients benefiting immensely from the expert home care services of Manzil. The diversity in services and the quality of care offered by Manzil addresses the evolving medical needs and preferences of the society. We believe that continuity of care is important in delivering healthcare. This collaboration is our pledge to better patient care and healing. The collaborative services will certainly add great value to Thumbay’s commitment for quality medical care.”

The collaboration is also expected to add strength to the clinical expertise of Manzil Healthcare Services giving them access to Thumbay Hospital Group’s team of medical experts and doctors across specialties, who will be extending their care and consultations to Manzil.

Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, the leading medical university in the Middle East region has entered into an agreement with University of Milan, Italy, one of the largest universities in Europe, with about 60,000 students, for collaboration in offering the Executive Master’s Program in Healthcare Management and Economics (EMHME) launched by GMU’s College of Healthcare Management and Economics.

The agreement between both the universities was signed at the GMU campus on 10^th February 2018, represented by Prof. Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of GMU and Prof. Federico Lega, Director of the Research and Executive Education Center in Health Administration, University of Milan. The MoU signed between both the universities will promote joint initiatives in teaching, research and community outreach, in addition to facilitating student and faculty exchanges between both the institutions. Both the universities will also undertake joint research and development activities, jointly organize courses/conferences/symposia and launch joint academic programs.

The 12-month Executive Master’s Program in Healthcare Management and Economics program, established to benefit middle to senior level professionals in the healthcare industry, seeks to help working professionals to improve their career prospects and widen their professional networks. It equips graduates with broad knowledge and skills in management, policy, economics, and in-depth experience in healthcare industry, innovation and informatics. These types of graduates will be highly needed for the healthcare sector and all related future businesses and services. The program will start from September 2019.

In addition to the Master’s program, GMU’s College of Healthcare Management and Economics also offers a four year Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Economics (BSc. HME) designed to graduate professionals with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, its language and unique culture. This program will start from March 2019.

The programs offered by the College of Healthcare Management and Economics are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation, Ministry of Education, UAE. Other leading international Universities collaborating with GMU for delivering the programs include the University of Central Florida, University of Arizona, American University of Cairo, etc. The college is a member of the European Healthcare Management Association. The faculty for the executive master’s program are top academicians and practitioners from renowned international institutions in the US, UK, France and Italy.

Over the coming few months, a series of seminars will be offered by the College of Healthcare Management and Economics, covering various aspects of the advancement and future of healthcare management. The first Master Class in the series was conducted at Le Meridian, Dubai, on the 11^th of February 2019, themed ‘New Challenges for Clinicians and Managers’ presented by Prof. Federico Lega, Professor of Health Management at the University of Milan. The second Master Class in the seminar series, titled ‘Health Management Competencies and Education for Value-Based Healthcare’ was held on the 16^th of February 2019, led by Prof. Bernardo Ramirez, Director of Global Health Initiatives of the Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida

The week-long inter-university sports festival hosted by Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman – the biggest sporting event of its kind in the country – concluded with a closing ceremony on 14^th February 2019, at the University campus. Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor – Academics of GMU was the chief guest for the closing ceremony.

Of the 26 Universities which participated this year, American University of Sharjah (AUS) emerged overall champions. BITS PIlani – Dubai were the runners up. Trophies were distributed to the winner and runners-up in different games, for both boys and girls.

Addressing the participants and spectators at the closing ceremony, Prof. Manda Venkatramana said that every year, GMU’s sports festival united the colleges of UAE in competitive sport.  “Sports and recreation are equally important in a student’s life, just as academic success,” he stressed. The closing ceremony involved the symbolic extinguishing the torch by the chief guest, signifying the close of the games.

Close to 1000 students participated in this year’s sports meet. Competitions were held in 226 events across 10 categories. The organizers said that the next year’s edition would be an even bigger event, with the inclusion of track and field events.

The closing ceremony was followed by a gala dinner attended by the participants.

His Excellency Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh, Member, Board of Trustees of Al Maktoum Foundation and Member, Board of Trustees of Gulf Medical University – the biggest private medical university in the region owned and operated by Thumbay Group, visited Thumbay Medicity, the hub of state-of-the-art medical education, healthcare and research, on 17^th February 2019. He was welcomed at Thumbay Medicity by Dr. Thumbay Moideen – Founder President of Thumbay Group.

The vision and future strategic directions of Thumbay Medicity was presented before H. E. Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh. He toured Thumbay Medicity’s state-of-the-art facilities for medical education, healthcare and research including Gulf Medical University, Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital and the soon to open Thumbay University Hospital.

Touring the hospitals and the university, H. E. Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh commended Thumbay Medicity for the excellent  facilities  for  healthcare  and  medical  education,  as  he  observed  the  various services at Thumbay Dental Hospital – the first private dental hospital in the country and the largest  academic  dental  hospital  in  the  Middle  East  region’s  private  sector,  as  well  as Thumbay  Physical  Therapy  and  Rehabilitation  Hospital  –  the  biggest  and  most  advanced hospital for physical therapy and rehabilitation. He appreciated Thumbay Group’s efforts in bringing the latest technology and innovation in healthcare and medical education to the region.

Dr.  Thumbay  Moideen  said  that  Thumbay  Medicity  is  envisioned  as  the  healthcare  and medical education hub of the region, to serve a floating population of 20,000 on completion. “The  soon-to-open  500-bed  academic  hospital  –  Thumbay  University  Hospital  –  the  largest private   academic   hospital   in   the   region,   combined   with   the   dental   and   rehabilitation hospitals  make  Thumbay  Medicity  a  unique  destination  for  specialized  care.  Thumbay Medicity is also a referral facility to which primary and secondary care hospitals and clinics refer serious cases,” he explained. The  specialized  hospitals  of  Thumbay  Medicity  are  Academic  Health  Centers  of  the  Gulf Medical   University   Academic   Health   System   (GMUAHS),   which   give   them   the   unique advantage  of  having  the  expertise  of  doctors  who  are  also  academicians  and  researchers. GMUAHS has the distinction of being the first private academic health system in the region.

Thumbay Medicity is one of the latest additions to the UAE’s healthcare sector, and the first such project in the private sector. Located in Ajman, Thumbay Medicity features the most modern technology and global expertise in teaching/training, healthcare delivery and research/innovation, attracting the best student and professional talent towards shaping the future of education, healthcare and research. Thumbay Medicity also features an array of leisure and hospitality amenities such as Body & Soul Health Club and Spa, Thumbay Food Court, The Terrace Restaurant, Blends & Brews Coffee Shoppe etc., as well as the Thumbay Housing Project to accommodate 2500 staff and students. Built with an investment of more than a billion UAE Dirhams, Thumbay Medicity has a total area of 1 million sq.ft. and built-up area of 1.2 million sq.ft.

More than 500 people participated in the Walkathon organized by Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital (TPTRH) at Thumbay Medicity, Ajman on 14^th February 2018, in support of the people of determination. The theme of the walkathon was ‘keep walking’, emphasizing the importance of encouraging the people of determination to achieve their dreams, at the same time, reminding the society of its responsibility towards them, in bringing them to the mainstream.

The walkathon was conducted under the CSR drive of Thumbay Group, supported by the Thumbay Foundation and Body & Soul Health Club & Spa, the award-winning chain of health clubs owned by Thumbay Group.

Over 100 special needs children participated in the walkathon, sending out a strong message of optimism and resolve. The event also had the participation of rehabilitation centers, special needs schools, government and private corporates, in addition to the active participation of school children.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President – Healthcare Division, Thumbay Group said, “We are proud of the UAE’s national strategy to empower people of determination and create an inclusive society for those with special needs and families, which has been the foundation of Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital. Through this event, we aim to reiterate our hospital’s commitment to supporting the people of determination, to help them lead successful lives and inspire them to keep walking.”

“The primary aim of Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital is to deliver clinical and service excellence for all rehabilitation needs and helping patients achieve their maximum level of function,” he added.

As the most cutting-edge physical therapy and rehabilitation facility in the region, TPTRH seeks to redefine the standards of physical rehabilitation by introducing innovation in the form of state-of-the-art technology, futuristic facilities, cutting-edge research and advanced learning. Innovation is one of the key features of the hospital. State-of-the-art rehabilitation treatment is delivered through advanced technology like virtual reality. The hospital operates in collaboration with internationally renowned Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Valduce Hospital, Italy. It is attached to Thumbay University Hospital, with 50 dedicated beds specially for rehab and a Therapeutic Garden for faster and holistic recovery.