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276-bed psychiatric hospital to open this November in Dubai

Dubai - The Dh419 million Al Amal Psychiatric Complex aims to offer better facilities mental health patients in the country.

'The only government hospital dedicated to psychiatric and addiction treatment in Dubai, Al Amal Psychiatric Complex, will open its doors to the public on November 13.
Shifting of patients from the current facility located in Jumeirah to the new 276-bed facility is being done this week, a senior official from the Ministry of Health and Prevention told Khaleej Times.
Opening of the new facility, constructed at an approximate cost of Dh419 million on Al Ain-Dubai motorway, aims at offering better facilities to thousands of mental health patients in the country.
"The new hospital has been completed," said Dr. Youssif Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for Hospitals, MoHP.
"Moving to the new facility is scheduled during the second weekend of November and the first working day is expected to be on November 13," he said.
The new hospital is built on a plot of 24 acres (538,200 square feet) and is a prototype facility showcasing a unique design and aesthetic approach for all levels of adult and adolescent psychiatric and/or drug and alcohol rehabilitation in both inpatient and outpatients.
In the existing facility, around 13,500 patients are being treated annually in the out patient department and 80 patients can be admitted for availing in-patient services with an annual occupancy rate of about 87 per cent."
"The most common mental disorder getting treated in our facility is schizophrenia and anxiety disorders followed by depression which is very common in the UAE," said Dr. Youssif Al Serkal.
Both expatriates and Emiratis will be able to avail of treatment at the hospital. Treatment is free for Emiratis with a valid a health card else they have to pay Dh250 for consultations. Mental health services are not covered by health insurance and expatriates have to pay for getting treatment.
The new design gives overall effect of an oasis or a village, surrounded and buffered by dense vegetation. The main three-story structure is complemented by free-standing buildings, including a mosque, auditorium and gymnasiums and patient accommodations.
The architectural expression of the building employs a number of vernacular and passive design elements grounded in Middle East architecture that are applied in a modern cultural and aesthetic way. At the front of the hospital, the massing steps up to a three story building component.
- asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com