Abu Dhabi has announced a significant initiative to provide free treatment for patients with chronic illnesses through a Dh1 billion Healthcare Endowment Initiative. This announcement was made on Monday and aims to support individuals suffering from chronic diseases, enhancing the sustainability of healthcare services in the emirate.

The initiative, named the Life Endowment Campaign, is a collaboration between the Endowments and Minors Funds Authority (Awqaf Abu Dhabi) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Under the slogan “With You for Life,” the campaign seeks to cover treatment costs for the most vulnerable segments of society. It is part of a broader Healthcare Endowment initiative launched in May 2024, which involves partnerships with the Emirates Red Crescent and the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an.

The campaign is designed to establish an endowment that will provide sustainable funding for chronic disease treatments, bolster the healthcare system, and enhance its capacity to meet future challenges. It will also invest in the development of healthcare services, medication provision, and psychological support for patients. The initiative aims to maximize returns from the endowment, channeling these funds into healthcare programs to improve the quality of life and foster a healthy, sustainable community.

As reported by Gulf News, Fahad Abdulqader Al Qassim, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution – Awqaf Abu Dhabi, said that this campaign represents a new hope for patients with chronic diseases. He noted that it enables access to high-quality healthcare for those who cannot afford it, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to community well-being and sustainability.

Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, stated that the initiative embodies the UAE’s vision for empowering individuals and enhancing their health. She highlighted that the endowment serves as a sustainable model for providing care to vulnerable populations. Dr. Al Ghaithi explained that the campaign helps secure funding that alleviates the financial burden on patients, supporting their healing journeys.

The campaign offers two main channels for contributions: the Emirates Red Crescent, which has been a leader in humanitarian efforts since 1983, and Ma’an, the official governmental channel for community contributions in Abu Dhabi. Abdullah Hamid Al Ameri, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, remarked that promoting social responsibility is a top priority, and the partnership with the Life Endowment campaign reflects the importance of collaboration to improve quality of life.

The Life Endowment campaign represents an innovative model for advancing endowments as a tool for sustainable development, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to charitable work. This initiative builds on previous efforts by Abu Dhabi to solidify its leadership in humanitarian action, ensuring that the values of solidarity and mutual support are embedded within the community.