In a major stride towards realizing the goals of the UAE's Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) hosted a panel discussion at the Emirates Towers in Dubai, inviting individuals with disabilities to share their perspectives and feedback.

Among the participants was Amal Ahmed, a person of determination and a social media influencer, who expressed her satisfaction with the initiative: “This program is transformative for us. The streamlined processes and accessible services will save us considerable time and effort.” She further noted, “We often depend on others for help with paperwork and service applications, which can be time-consuming and sometimes intimidating. Now, with the authorities prioritizing people of determination and streamlining processes, I feel more self-reliant and confident.” Amal emphasized her gratitude towards the UAE government for addressing their needs and simplifying lives, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusivity and understanding community challenges.

The UAE introduced the Zero Government Bureaucracy program earlier this year, aiming to revamp the existing government framework to improve service efficiency and quality. The program aims to eliminate unnecessary government procedures and requirements, significantly simplifying the administrative process.

The panel discussion served as a platform for individuals with disabilities to express their appreciation and excitement for the initiative. They highlighted how it would simplify daily tasks, enhance customer satisfaction, and improve overall quality of life. “We are grateful for this initiative,” said Eesa AlAli from the Dubai Club for People of Determination. “It will make many tasks, such as paperwork and service requests, much easier for us.” AlAli, a wheelchair user, added that the program not only streamlines these processes but also ensures independence in performing them. “Some government services and our requirements were challenging, and we often faced obstacles. This program removes those barriers and provides us with the necessary tools and support to manage our affairs without unnecessary delays,” he explained.

The feedback from the panel will be crucial in refining and enhancing the program's implementation, ensuring effective meeting of all community members' needs. “The panel discussion with people of determination is part of our strategy to enhance interaction and direct communication with various segments of society, benefiting from their opinions and ideas to develop services and satisfy customers. By organizing customer councils, we aim to promote a culture of participatory design, ensuring the provision of customized services based on customers' preferences and needs,” said Dr Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Al Olama emphasized that expediting procedures and simplifying transactions is a priority at the ministry. “We are continuously working to re-engineer services and employ the latest digital technologies to analyze customer needs and provide proactive solutions that meet and exceed their expectations,” he stated. The official pledged to enhance the efficiency, quality, and flexibility of government services, ensuring an exceptional user experience in the health sector.

Abdullah Ahli noted that the dialogue session is one of several initiatives launched by MOHAP to involve people of determination in implementing the Zero Bureaucracy Programme. “We look forward to establishing a participatory environment between the Ministry and its customers, facilitating the exchange of ideas to enhance and develop the quality of the Ministry’s services through direct meetings, questionnaires, and discussions with all customers, including people of determination.”