Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) has announced the launch of the Health Workforce Development Center (CHWD), marking a significant milestone as the first center of its kind in the region. The primary aim of this center is to enhance and strengthen the health workforce in the UAE and across the region.

The CHWD is set to play a pivotal role in building and developing the capabilities of health systems at both institutional and individual levels. It will focus on the development of policies, planning, education, and organizational management, offering comprehensive educational and training programs. These programs will target a wide range of health professionals, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, and university faculty members involved in academic health institutions.

In addition to its training initiatives, the center will serve as a consultancy hub for countries and institutions, providing expert advice and assistance in strengthening health workforce systems. The center will also contribute to the global health community by conducting and publishing relevant research and studies. A dedicated advisory board, comprised of experts and leaders in health workforce development, will support the center's efforts in collaboration with regional and global partners.

Prof. Ismail Matalka, President of RAKMHSU, emphasized the university's commitment to supporting the CHWD’s mission to bolster health systems and improve healthcare standards both within and outside the UAE. This aligns with RAKMHSU’s broader mission of enhancing the scientific and professional standing of the healthcare sector.

Prof. Elsheikh Badr, Executive Director of the CHWD, highlighted the center's strong relationships with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other local, regional, and international partners. These partnerships will help address the challenges of the health workforce in the region and promote the exchange of best practices globally. He further elaborated that the center’s strategy aligns with the health workforce priorities of the UAE and the countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to drive improvements in healthcare.

The establishment of CHWD demonstrates RAKMHSU’s forward-thinking approach to supporting health workforce development in the region, contributing to the growth of a highly qualified and globally competitive health sector.