Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, recently visited a drive-through testing facility of the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company at Abu Dhabi Corniche to review the efforts made by SEHA in amplifying testing capacity to tackle the spread of Coronavirus pandemic.

Salem Al Noaimi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, SEHA, briefed Sheikh Khalid about the contributions made by the drive-through testing facilities in response to the fight against the pandemic. During his visit, Sheikh Khalid also met the team who established the National Screening Centres. He further lauded the efforts made by the testing centres along with the drive-through facilities in handling the COVID-19 outbreak. Sheikh Khalid also hailed the commitment of every individual across the SEHA network in the fight against the pandemic.

During his visit, he assessed the results of 20 drive-through centres spread across the UAE, which included more than 700,000 tests conducted for the Abu Dhabi community. These tests also consist of free screenings performed for the UAE citizens and their domestic workers, pregnant women, residents from high-risk categories including People of Determination, people with age over 50, and those with Coronavirus symptoms or those who have come into contact with virus-infected patients. These efforts have been taken in view of the directive of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

These screening centres are managed by more than 900 employees who have been providing screening services to individuals in key sectors of the UAE including government entities, sports facilities, travel and tourism companies, higher education institutions, and media among others.

Speaking at the occasion, Salem Al Noaimi said that the country's wise leadership has empowered the healthcare sector to deliver an effective response to COVID-19 through commitment and support. He added that testing is one of most crucial measures in the battle against COVID-19 pandemic and SEHA's drive-through screening centres have played a significant role in protecting the community.

"We are honoured by H.H.’s visit to the Corniche drive-through screening centre. Our wise leaders have empowered the healthcare sector to deliver an effective response to COVID-19 by providing their unwavering commitment and support. Enabled by this steadfast leadership, our staff have been on the frontline of the fight against the pandemic and have risen to the challenge admirably," Salem Al Noaimi said.

Adding to his remarks, AHS Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Hawas Al Sadid said that the National Screening Centres have played a significant role in providing the citizens and residents of the UAE access to world-class testing facilities. He asserted that the health and wellbeing of the community has always been the top priority of the AHS, adding that Sheikh Khalid's visit has further motivated them to continue to deliver on the UAE leadership’s vision to make comprehensive healthcare solutions accessible to all.

"The screening facilities have supported key sectors by testing their employees to ensure business continuity and aiding economic activities," Al Sadid said.

According to a report by state news agency WAM, SEHA has erected 24 such facilities across the UAE ever since the pandemic outbreak began in the nation. The efforts have been intensified to expand testing capabilities and develop the existent healthcare infrastructure.

WAM