Ministry of Health and Prevention launches the first batch of "Pioneers of Innovation"

• Al Serkal: The program was developed according to the best standards in the training programs of specialists in innovation systems worldwide
• A variety of activities in the program contribute to building a broad knowledge base among the members to enhance the innovation environment in the sectors of the ministry

The Ministry of Health and Prevention launched the first cohort of the 2017 Pioneers of Innovation Program at a ceremony organized by the Ministry to launch the program under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Yousef Mohammad Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for Hospitals Sector. In addition to the employees of the program, this aims at training a group of distinguished ministry employees to qualify them to professional level in the field of innovation management.

H.E Al Serkal said that the program "Pioneers of Innovation" comes within the framework of the continuous efforts of the Ministry of Health and Prevention to achieve its strategic objectives derived from the UAE Vision 2021 and the decisions of the National Agenda, which aims to instil a culture of innovation and encourage innovation in the institutional environment, Improve the quality of work systems and develop health facilities in the country in accordance with international standards, in order to establish an effective and sustainable health system.

He added that the ministry has been keen to develop the "Pioneers of Innovation" program in accordance with the best standards in this field after extensive study of the programs available globally to qualify specialists in the management of innovation and strengthen its systems and practices at the individual and work environment, especially in the health sector which represents creativity, and innovation is a key pillar in advancing the development and sustainability of its development and its ability to meet health challenges and raise the level of health and happiness of the community.

H.E. added, "The program is the first step in the Ministry's efforts to build a diverse human base of health, technical, and managerial specialties in the management and care of innovation, in line with the Ministry's vision and strategic plans. It is an extension of the initiatives and programs of the National Innovation Strategy, which emphasized the importance of building innovative individuals and their skills, and the development of the institutional innovation system in various fields, particularly the health sector as one of the seven major sectors identified by the strategy as a catalyst for innovation in the country. "

H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of Umm Al-Quwain Medical District, expressed her happiness at the implementation of this scientific program which aims at training specialized staff in the field of innovation and enhances its practices in the institutional work environment of the Ministry.  Al Qassimi urged program participants to complete the training program, expressing her confidence in the abilities of the candidates to translate the knowledge gained through the program, into initiative that can be implemented by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Dr. Ayesha Habib Al Mutawa, Director of Strategy and Future Department, Chief Innovation Officer, noted that innovation pioneers program candidates will be trained according to an internationally recognized curriculum based on innovation science. Dr. Al Mutawa also noted that the program includes six mandatory modules, after which candidates will be assessed by the global program and certification body (International Association of Innovation Professionals) and will be granted their certificates of qualification as innovation professionals. This will grant each candidate access to become part of the global community of innovation professionals. The program includes lectures, discussion sessions, field visits and other innovative activities such as the Innovation Clinic. The Innovation Pioneers Program will ensure that the participants gain a wide array of knowledge to enable them to develop innovative initiatives that can be implemented across the Ministry’s sectors and organizational units.in the ministry.