Sharjah: The first private psychiatric hospital in the UAE will be set up in Sharjah and is expected to be completed next year, organisers announced.
"We hope to complement the existing high standards of health services with comprehensive mental health care because unfortunately, psychiatric care remains an underserved specialisation in the health industry," said Shaikha Jameela Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, Director-General of the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services and Vice-President of the Family Supreme Council in Sharjah.
Initiative
In support of this health initiative, Sharjah donated land in the Muweileh district for the Ishaa'q Bin Omran Specialised Psychiatric Centre to be built on, which was commissioned by Shaikha Jameela.
The psychiatric clinic has the capacity to treat more than 30 inpatients and 200 outpatients per week and will provide treatment for mental and emotional disorders such as depression, emotional disturbances, schizophrenia, psychosis and substance abuse.
"Medical studies point to the fact than in 10 years, mental disease will more prevalent than physical illnesses.
"And by providing a host of support services needed to help the patient and their families, we are hopeful that we can promote change in people's attitudes towards these illnesses," she said.
Ceremony
At a signing ceremony held recently, management consultancy firm Pannell Kerr Forster was appointed to conduct market and feasibility studies for the project, in order to provide an insight into the existing and anticipated future demand for mental and emotional health services in the UAE and the region.
A separate agreement is expected to be signed shortly with a European university hospital which will study and develop detailed medical concepts.
