Reaffirming its commitment to community engagement and preventive healthcare, the College of Medicine at Gulf Medical University (GMU) actively participated in a large-scale Heat Exhaustion Prevention Initiative organised in collaboration with Thumbay University Hospital, the Representative Office of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) in Ajman, Ajman Municipality, Umm Al Moumineen Women’s Association, Ajman Police, and several governmental and non-governmental partners. The initiative was held on 30 June 2026 at the Umm Al Moumineen Women’s Association in Ajman.
The collaborative programme brought together GMU faculty members, MD students, HDPCS students, medical and dental interns, and healthcare professionals from partner organisations to deliver essential preventive healthcare services to workers from multiple occupational sectors across the Emirate of Ajman. Demonstrating the University’s commitment to serving the community, the multidisciplinary team worked together to promote health, prevent disease, and improve occupational well-being.
Approximately 1,000 workers, including employees from Talabat, Ajman Municipality, and other organisations, benefited from the initiative. Participants received comprehensive health screening services, including blood pressure measurement, obesity assessment, cardiovascular risk screening, oral health assessment, and personalised health counselling. These services aimed to facilitate early detection of health risks while encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.
A major focus of the initiative was raising awareness about the prevention, early recognition, and first-aid management of heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses—an important public health priority during the UAE summer. Educational sessions also addressed healthy nutrition, obesity prevention, hypertension prevention, hydration, and healthy lifestyle practices. Participants received educational materials and practical demonstrations on managing heat-related emergencies, empowering them with knowledge to protect their health in demanding working environments.
Beyond its community impact, the programme provided an invaluable experiential learning opportunity for GMU students. Working alongside experienced healthcare professionals, students translated classroom knowledge into real-world practice by conducting health education, interacting with diverse community members, and strengthening their clinical communication, teamwork, and public health competencies. The initiative reflected GMU’s educational philosophy of integrating academic excellence with meaningful community service.
Through this collaborative outreach programme, Gulf Medical University continues to demonstrate its leadership in advancing preventive healthcare, promoting occupational health and safety, and fostering strategic partnerships that improve the well-being of communities across the UAE. Such initiatives reinforce the University’s mission of preparing socially accountable healthcare professionals while contributing to healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
