Even the blind will be able to use a website to be launched by the Ministry of Health in Abu Dhabi to provide information on medical services. The new website will be called Emirates Electronic Medical Network and will be launched in cooperation with Aali Al Khaleej computer network.

Engineer Faten Saadah, Deputy Director at Aali Al Khaleej, said the website will be the unique since the blind will be able to use it. "The company will use a sophisticated technology to enable the blind to reach locations on the Internet without assistance. There will be a training course on the site for doctors who are not familiar with computers and the Internet.

"Doctors will be introduced to the basics of the computer, the Internet and how to open medical sites to check information. Every doctor will be given a free e-mail address." The website www.emiratesmedia.com will contain information about medical services available throughout the UAE.

Ibrahim Hussien Ahmed, Director of Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Health, said, "The main aim of this website is to provide up to date and correct information to the community."

The website will give information on programmes implemented by the Ministry of Health. "There will be data on pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment companies, polyclinics, private clinics, pharmacies, hospitals and medical centres."

Besides details on health programmes, it will list pharmacies that are open 24 hours and provide information on emergency services. "There are also plans to launch another subsidiary website giving information on doctors working in the UAE in both government and private sectors," he said.

Information will be updated on a daily basis so that people get the latest developments in the medical world. Ahmed emphasised that this website will also train doctors since they can get access to educational programmes.

Tourists and people on pilgrimages can get details on precautions to be taken and other tips. Users will be told how to cope with emergency situations until a doctor arrives. For further information, go to www.aalialkhaleeg.com or www.emiratesmedia.com.