Free summer health package for delivery riders in Dubai

Dubai: As summer temperatures soar across the UAE, a free health initiative launched by the Pakistan Medical Centre (PMC) in Dubai is offering a lifeline to the city’s delivery riders, drivers, and other blue-collar workers braving the scorching sun.

PMC, a not-for-profit healthcare centre under the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), has introduced a comprehensive summer care package aimed at protecting outdoor workers from the health risks of extreme heat.

Free assessment

The campaign, which began in early June and runs through the end of September, provides free walk-in health assessments, hydration therapy, and heat stroke prevention guidance.

“This initiative is specially designed for those who spend long hours outdoors, particularly delivery riders and drivers, who are often the most vulnerable during peak summer heat,” said Dr. Muhammed Nasim Sabir, Medical Director at the PMC.

“Our aim is to help them stay healthy, hydrated, and safe through free consultations, dehydration checks, and intravenous or oral hydration treatment when needed,” he added.

The package includes:

Clinical dehydration assessments

Physician consultations and medical management

Intravenous and oral rehydration therapy

Heat stroke assessments and prevention advice

Essential blood tests, if required

Welfare support

The initiative is part of PAD’s broader welfare support program and underscores its commitment to serving the most deserving segments of the community.

“This is the class that needs our help the most,” said Mariam Mumtaz, PAD spokesperson. “Our healthcare centre, like our entire community complex, is open to all nationalities, and we continue to launch such initiatives to support those who serve our cities in challenging conditions.”

Midday break

In addition to community-led efforts, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) has also launched its annual midday work break, effective from June 15 to September 15, prohibiting outdoor labour under direct sunlight between 12:30pm and 3pm daily. This policy is part of the UAE’s commitment to occupational health and safety and applies across industries employing outdoor workers.

PMC

PMC is a key component of the Pakistan Association in Dubai, the world’s largest community centre for overseas Pakistanis. The PMC offers free medical treatment to those who cannot afford to pay. The facility is open to all nationalities.

The facility also houses a health and fitness centre, business incubator, women’s entrepreneurship platform, café, and art space, all open to the wider community with special privileges for PAD members.