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Workers' welfare matters in Dubai

Labour reforms are incomplete without real change in the lives of the workforce. Dubai and the UAE are making a difference through these initiatives, while ensuring they lead a life of dignity.

Workers can wear that toothy grin again, thanks to free dental check-ups sponsored and organised by the Dubai government under the Hamdan bin Mohammed Oral Hygiene initiative. It shows the emirate cares for the overall health of its workers, even oral health that is not covered by most insurance providers. Labourers suffer most as they bear the pain of cavities and infections caused by tooth decay while toiling in the heat.
If left untreated, such conditions can turn life threatening and several workdays can be lost, not to forget the strain on the health system. Dubai's dental initiative could be the first of its kind by any government. Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, deserves credit for keeping in mind the health needs of thousands of workers who work to build its gleaming skyscrapers, roads and other infrastructure. During the campaign, 2,000 workers will be covered in the first phase by year-end. Since May, 700 workers have already been screened for dental problems. Apart from routine cleaning for plaque, filling of cavities and complex root canal treatments were done during the campaign.
The focus of the screenings is to prevent oral complications. The checks revealed 70 per cent of workers had issues with their teeth, and gum disease was the most common problem they faced.
Labour reforms are incomplete without real change in the lives of the workforce. Dubai and the UAE are making a difference through these initiatives, while ensuring they lead a life of dignity.
This may be a small step, but is a significant welfare measure, which bears the stamp of the Crown Prince of Dubai. Here's to more such initiatives for labourers who deserve our support.