United Arab Emirates: The Annual Health Awards 2023 honored 63 outstanding healthcare professionals in the United Arab Emirates in a historic ceremony, which saw the attendance of more than 800 healthcare leaders from the UAE's public and private sectors. On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, the Baniyas Ballroom at Grand Hyatt hosted the fourth edition of this unique regional initiative that aims to promote recognition of comprehensive healthcare.

Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and organized by HEALTH Magazine, the Fourth Annual Health Awards 2023 aimed to advance comprehensive healthcare practices by highlighting and honoring individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to holistic well-being.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, graced the occasion as the chief guest, presenting the prestigious Annual Health Awards 2023 to 52 outstanding contributors from both public and private sectors, alongside honoring 11 special awardees for their pioneering roles in shaping the healthcare industry of the region. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, expressed his happiness to participate in the initiative that celebrates distinguished people in all fields because it motivates everyone to strive, persevere and be creative for the sake of a brilliant future for our beloved Emirates under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God bless him and grant him peace. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan stated, , “I congratulate all individuals and institutions for their great contributions, whether through innovative technologies, insightful charitable work, or commitment to improving the health care sector in the region and the world as well, and I believe in the impact of these efforts in shaping the world in which we will live tomorrow.”

     This came after the annual ceremony of the Annual Health Awards 2023, which was attended by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, during which 63 distinguished healthcare professionals in the United Arab Emirates were honored during, in the presence of more than 600 healthcare leaders from the public and private sectors in the UAE. The United Arab Emirates, hosted by the Baniyas Hall in the Grand Hyatt, is the fourth edition of this unique regional initiative that aims to enhance recognition of comprehensive health care, and is one of the vital initiatives to support excellence and creativity in the Emirates.

Also in attendance were healthcare leaders like H.E. Dr. Abdelaziz Saeed Obaid Bin Butti Almheiri, Chairman, Sharjah Health Authority; Dr. Haifa Mohammed Al Hannawi, Head of Dental Services, Emirates Health Services Establishment, H.E Mohammad Al Olama, Undersecretary, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dr. Juma Bilal, Former Director- Curative Medicine Affairs, Ministry of Health, Dr. Fatma Al Rifai, Former Director Dept. of Nursing, Ministry of Health & Prevention, Dr. Amina AL Marzouqi, Vice Chancellor for Student &  Branch Affairs, University of Sharjah, Dr. Muna Tahlak, CEO, Latifa Hospital  (DAHC), Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Al-Emadi, Assistant Director for Medical Affairs, Al Kuwait Hospital among others.

The corporate award categories encompassed recognition for excellence in various sectors, including the Best Multi-Specialty Hospital, Hospital of the Year, Health Tech Start-up, Digital Healthcare Platform, Health & Wellness Start-up, Diagnostic Centre, Excellence in Dental Care, Excellence in Homeopathy, Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Healthcare Insurance TPA Company, Clinic & Medical Wellness Centres, and Medical Tourism Company.

Expressing his support for the excellence program, Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of the Thumbay Group, stated, "Our support for the Annual Health Awards is driven by the desire to foster positivity, inclusivity, and the boundless potential inherent in promoting the achievements of every healthcare professional and institution. The UAE has a rich tradition of championing innovation, and we are actively working to uphold this legacy by recognizing the contributions of individuals and organizations. The 4th Annual Health Awards provided an ideal platform to showcase and applaud the commendable efforts taking place in the UAE, thereby inspiring future generations."

Eleven distinguished healthcare trendsetters were honored with special awards as part of the annual Health Awards 2023, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the region’s healthcare industry. The awardees were: H. E. Dr. Abdelaziz Saeed Obaid Bin Butti Almheiri, Chairman, Sharjah Health Authority, Dr. Haifa Mohammed Al Hannawi, Head of Dental Services, Emirates Health Services Establishment, Dr. Wadeia AbdulRahim, Director, Medical Education and Research Department, Dubai Health Authority; H.E Mohammad Al Olama, Undersecretary, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dr. Juma Bilal, Former Director- Curative Medicine Affairs, Ministry of Health; Dr. Younis Kazim, CEO, Dubai Healthcare Corporation - DHA, Dr. Fatma Al Rifai, Former Director Dept. of Nursing, Ministry of Health & Prevention, Dr. Amina AL Marzouqi, Vice Chancellor for Student &  Branch Affairs, University of Sharjah, Dr. Muna Tahlak,  CEO, Latifa Hospital  (DAHC); Dr. Abdulghaffar Mohamed Alhawi,   Head, Center for Advanced Simulation in Healthcare, Gulf Medical University; Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Al-Emadi, Assistant Director for Medical Affairs, Al Kuwait Hospital.

Introduced in 2017, the Annual Health Awards was conceptualized to highlight and commend notable achievements within the region. Its primary goal is to inspire healthcare professionals and organizations to aim for ambitious goals and engage in meaningful initiatives. Led by HEALTH Magazine, this initiative promises to consistently acknowledge numerous deserving achievers on a global scale in the coming years. Over time, it is poised to evolve into a recognized benchmark for professional excellence within the healthcare industry.

List of Winners

Corporate Winners:

  • Multi-Specialty Hospital:
  • NMC Multi-Specialty Hospital, Dubai
  • NMC Multi-Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi
  • RAK Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah
  • Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital, Abu Dhabi
  • Health Tech Categories:
  • Health Tech Start-up: HEAPS Information Technology Network Services, Abu Dhabi
  • Digital Healthcare Platform: Emirates Health Services, Dubai
  • Health & Wellness Start-up: Soulhouette by healenna
  • Diagnostic Centre:
  • Dubai Genetics Center (Dubai Academic Health Corporation), Dubai
  • Excellence in Dental Care:
  • Dr Krish Esthetik Studio Dental Clinic, Dubai
  • Excellence in Homeopathy:
  • Holistic Healing Medical Center, Dubai
  • Excellence in CSR:
  • Maharat Learning Center, Dubai
  • Healthcare Insurance TPA Company:
  • FMC Network UAE MC LLC
  • Aafiya TPA
  • Clinic & Medical Wellness Centres:
  • The Valens Clinic, Dubai
  • Medical Tourism Company:
  • Almurshidi Medical Tourism LLC, Fujairah

Individual-Medical Specialists:

  • Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Mohan Rangaswamy, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital, Dubai
  • Dermatologist: Dr. Aman Jot, RAK Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah
  • Cardiologist: Dr. Brajesh Mittal, Medcare Hospital, Dubai
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology:
    • Dr. Usha Kiran, Prime Hospital, Dubai
    • Dr. Laila Yahya Alhubaishi, DUBAI ACADEMIC HEALTH Corporation, Dubai
    • Dr. Amala Nazareth, PRIME HEALTHCARE GROUP
  • Pediatrician:
    • Dr. Praveen Sreekanthalal, NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi
    • Dr. Kalpana Sengupta, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Nahda, Dubai
    • Dr. Puneet Wadhwa, PRIME HOSPITAL
  • Nephrologist: Dr. Siddiq Anwar, Sheikh Shakbout Medical City (Managed by Mayo Clinic)
  • Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist:
    • Dr. Abdulqader Almessabi, Sheikh Shakbout Medical City (Managed by Mayo Clinic)
    • Dr. Rami Khaled, Abou El Foul, Dubai Academy and Health Corporation- Hatta Hospital
  • Orthopedic Surgeon:
    • Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine, Burjeel Dubai
    • Dr. Manjunatha Ganiga Srinivasaiah, Dubai London Hospital, Dubai
  • Public Health Awareness:
    • Campaign for Knee Health - Dr. Azam Badar Khan, Prime Hospital, Dubai
  • Ophthalmologist: Dr. Amit Nagpal, NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai
  • Diabetologist: Dr. Asma Deeb, Sheikh Shakbout Medical City (SSMC)
  • Dentists:
    • Dr. Saara Shaikh, Dr. Safeenas Women Wellness Clinic
    • Dr. Ajay Pala, Dr. Joy Dental Clinic, Dubai
    • Dr. Shosham John, DUBAI ACADEMIC HEALTH Corporation, Dubai
    • Dr. Wafa Balooshi, DUBAI ACADEMIC HEALTH Corporation, Dubai
    • Dr. Shallen Verma, Fakeeh University Hospital, Dubai
    • Dr. Sana Nabeel, Elements Medical Center, Sharjah
    • Dr. Simran Kaur, Prestige Dental Clinic
  • Pulmonologist: Prof. Dr. Mayank Vats, Rashid Hospital (Dubai Academy and Health Corporation), Dubai
  • Physiotherapists:
    • Dr. Ajmal Sheriff, Emirates Health Services
    • Dr. Rajbir Kaur, Fisio recovery and wellness
    • Dr. Suhani Iqbal, Life Healthcare Group, Dubai
    • Dr. SUBHASIS KARMAKAR, Dubai Police, Dubai
    • Dr. Naheed Kapadia Tariq, Latifa Women & Children Hospital, Dubai
  • Internist: Dr. Anil Grover, Prime Hospital, Dubai

Special Categories:

  • Excellence in Healthcare Research:
    • Dr. Prashant Nasa, Head of Department, Critical Care Medicine, NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai
    • Dr. Hamed Hussein, Consultant Physician-Dubai Academy and Health Corporation (DAHC), Dubai
  • Healthcare Icon/Leader:
    • Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Group CEO, RAK Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah
    • Dr. Ahmed Sami, Head of Emergency Health Department, Fatima College of Health Sciences (FCHS) - Emergency Health Department
  • Medical Education Icon:
    • Prof. Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor, Gulf Medical University
  • Healthcare CEO/CNO/COO/CMO/CFO:
    • Dr. Mishal Al Qasimi, CEO, Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital, Abu Dhabi
    • Mr. Marwan Ibrahim Nasser, Chairman & CEO, Al Tadawi Healthcare, Dubai
    • Mr. Mark James, CEO, MPC
    • Dr. KIRTI MOHAN Marya, Group Medical Director, Life Healthcare Group, Dubai
    • Dr. Fozi Abozaid Dakilah, Medical Director, Thumbay University Hospital
    • Ms. Nancy Mendonca, Chief Nursing Officer, Thumbay University Hospital
    • Ms. Stefi Alfred, Director of Nursing, NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai
    • Mr. Anantha Mallya, Deputy CFO, Thumbay Group
    • Mr. Vinay Lazarus, Senior General Manager, NMC Specialty-Abu Dhabi Cluster
  • Healthcare Consultants:
    • Dr. Humeira Badsha, Founder and Medical Director, HBG MEDICAL CENTER, Dubai
    • Prof. Dr. Mustafa Khalid, Consultant, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital - DUBAI

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