Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Iman Abdullah Al Ali, Staff Reporter

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has set new regulations for issuing birth and death certificates in the emirate and has demanded all DHA-licensed health facilities to abide by them from Tuesday.

In a circular forwarded to all Dubai-based private health establishments, the DHA affirmed that it is the only entity concerned with issuing birth and death certificates in the emirate with the exception of the births and deaths taking place in the health facilities affiliated to the Ministry of Health and Prevention and Dubai Healthcare City.

Birth and death certificates are issued through Al Hamd system, which is the latest of its kind for serving customers and is aimed at enabling customers to take out birth and death certificates as soon as possible, using the simplest procedures that are compatible with the regulations in force, the DHA added.

The DHA pointed out that the service of issuing birth and death certificates is provided in the Jumeirah Lake Towers Medical Screening Center, Jumeirah Lake Towers – Red Diamond Building instead of Festival Office Tower. The DHA affirmed that the new circular would take effect from Tuesday and all Dubai-based health facilities should take all the necessary procedures to ensure full abidance by its provisions.

The DHA thanked its strategic partners for their ongoing co-operation to boost the high-quality standards of healthcare services in Dubai as part of its keenness on rendering the most distinguished government services through providing the smart and up-to-date customer service and happiness enablers.

Separately, The Dubai Health Authority’s, DHA, Dubai Blood Donation Centre revealed that around 22,000 blood donors from 150 nationalities donated around 20,000 units and 1,737 platelets and plasma from mid-February until today.

The Dubai Blood Donation Centre also honoured several blood donors, on the World Blood Donor Day, which falls on 14th June of every year. One of them was 40-year-old Emirati Adel Ali Hussain who donated blood 53 times making him the most consistent donor at the centre. “I believe that everyone should donate blood because it saves lives and many health benefits accrue to the donor as well. I used to donate blood every three months, but now I donate every two months. I was part of a Bikers team with 45 members, and we used to all donate blood together. I encourage the public to also take time to give the gift of life to others,” Ali Hussain said.

The centre also honoured the youngest donor, Pakistani student Arman Ameer who donated blood as soon as he turned 17. “I was inspired to donate blood by my mother after she organised a drive at the school she works in. I promised myself that I would donate blood as soon as I turn 17, which is the age permitted for donation. I believe everyone should donate blood because it is a small act that can save up to three lives and it is not taking anything from you as a person,” Ameer said.

Meanwhile, 63-year-old Emirati Sheikha Al Marri who is one of the oldest donors and has given blood up to 29 times, highlighted its great benefits. “I initially started donating blood due to health reasons but after realising the health benefits and learning about its importance in saving the lives of others, I started donating blood every three months and I have been doing so for the past 10 years. On this occasion, I would like to encourage others to do so for their health and to save the lives of those in need.”

The DHA revealed that the centre provided 13,000 blood units to public hospitals and 7,000 to private hospitals out of which, 3,500 units were for Thalassemia patients.

Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of the DHA, said that the Dubai Blood Donation Centre adopts the latest smart technology making it one of the leading internationally accredited centres, which follows globally approved standards and protocols for blood and donor safety. The centre also employs specialist doctors who ensure that the centre maintains its international status, role and medical and humanitarian contributions. He also thanked all donors.