HAAD Showcases Health Services for People with Special Needs at Abilities Middle East

The conference is held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from March 24 to 26.

Services provided by HAAD include eligibility assessment for THIQA health card, disability assessment, eligibility assessment for special needs parking permits, work fitness assessment, eligibility assessment for AOUNAK health card for Non-nationals, fitness assessment for driving and mental status assessment.

His Excellency, Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of HAAD and a member of the Executive Council said: "The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi’s mission is to ensure reliable excellence in healthcare for the community. People with special needs are part of our community and we have to enable them through accessibility to improve their quality of living.”

“Enabling people with special needs to overcome any obstacles they face in their daily lives will not only help them realise their potential and dreams but also to become a productive individuals in the society,” His Excellency added.

Her Excellency Prof. Maha Barakat, Director General of HAAD, gave a presentation summarizing the numerous resources HAAD offers for people with special needs, including the benefits of the Thiqa and AOUNAK programs. The AOUNAK initiative is a gesture of generosity by H.H. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and H.H. General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, to non UAE Nationals and Orphans.

Holders of THIQA and AOUNAK cards with special needs are eligible for free treatment and complete care, without incurring any additional fees. The cards cover in-patient and out-patient care in hospitals, clinics and emergency centres.

Coverage also includes the cost of equipment and medical devices, nutritional therapy, physiotherapy, medication, psychological treatment in outpatient clinics, as well as screening for early detection of disease. For more information on HAAD services visit www.haad.ae/HAAD/tabid/80/

To apply for any of these services, the public is welcome to visit HAAD customer service counters in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Western Region from 07:30 - 14:30, Sunday to Thursday.

Abilities Middle East is a multilayered event that includes a leadership conference to voice the concerns of people with disabilities, special needs communities, policy makers, educators and disability activists.