The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), has identified six categories within nursing and allied health professions that are exempt from the requirement of six months’ post-graduation experience to obtain a professional license. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the healthcare licensing system and align it with labor market needs.

The Ministry clarified that the exempted categories include:

• Registered Nurse
• Assistant Nurse
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Laboratory Technologist
• Respiratory Care Technician
• Healthcare Assistant

The Ministry stated that the objective of this decision is to accelerate the integration of qualified professionals into the labor market while maintaining performance quality and professional standards.

Graduates inside and outside the UAE

The Ministry confirmed that the exemption applies to all graduates, whether from within the UAE or abroad. It also noted that other specializations within allied health professions are under review by healthcare authorities, with the possibility of granting exemptions on a case-by-case basis, provided that this does not compromise the quality of healthcare services or patient safety.

This decision aims to comprehensively enhance regulatory procedures and expedite the integration of nursing and allied health graduates into the workforce, maximizing the benefit of human capital while maintaining high standards of performance.

Healthcare licensing system

Updating exemption and licensing mechanisms forms part of a broader vision to develop the national healthcare licensing system and strengthen compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory frameworks. This supports workforce sustainability and facilitates faster workforce entry for graduates without compromising quality standards.

Standardizing procedures across the UAE enhances trust in the healthcare system, reinforces transparency and professional fairness, and establishes a more efficient regulatory environment capable of meeting current demands and anticipating future needs.

The Ministry emphasized that updating healthcare licensing policies reflects a high level of flexibility and integration among relevant government entities, as well as a commitment to continuously improving the legislative environment of the labor market. It also ensures that processes and governance frameworks are comprehensive and integrated, maximizing benefits for all stakeholders and meeting workforce needs in the healthcare sector.

Exceptional importance of the healthcare sector

The Ministry highlighted its readiness to support government entities in advancing their operations, in line with its central role in regulating the labor market. It noted that advanced digital infrastructure facilitates seamless electronic integration among entities, accelerates updates, and supports government efforts in service excellence and sustained national leadership.

It also emphasized the exceptional importance of the healthcare sector as a key pillar directly linked to quality of life, public health, and the efficient delivery of healthcare services.

Enabling academic staff to practice

In a related development, the Ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced the authorization of academic staff in universities and medical colleges—including physicians and other healthcare specialists—to practice within healthcare facilities.

This decision aims to strengthen the integration between education and practical application, reinforce governance, compliance, and unified licensing standards, and support the sustainability and readiness of the healthcare workforce to meet current and future challenges.

Professional licenses may be issued to academic staff upon meeting qualification, experience, and prior licensing requirements. Teaching hours may also be counted toward Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements in accordance with accredited medical education policies. This reflects a qualitative recognition of the academic role and promotes a culture of continuous learning within healthcare professions.

The decision represents an institutional approach that balances regulatory flexibility with adherence to governance standards. Enabling academic staff to practice professionally enriches the healthcare work environment with advanced expertise and contributes to improving system efficiency, while maintaining unified licensing requirements that ensure quality of care and patient safety. This ultimately supports the sustainability, flexibility, and effectiveness of the healthcare sector in achieving the objectives of the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

GN

Sharjah: Doctors at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah successfully diagnosed and treated a rare, potentially life-threatening condition in a 33-year-old woman after her symptoms initially appeared to be caused by a severe infection.

The patient was admitted with high fever, severe body aches and blood test results that strongly suggested a serious infection. Initial scans also showed involvement of multiple organs, including the lungs and kidneys, making the case appear at first to be a straightforward infectious illness.

However, as doctors continued their assessment, they found that the clinical picture did not fully match the expected diagnosis. Despite extensive testing, no clear source of infection could be identified, prompting the medical team to investigate further for an alternative cause.

A routine chest X-ray provided the first major clue when it revealed an unusual abnormality in the aorta, the main blood vessel carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The finding was unexpected in a young woman and led doctors to carry out urgent specialist investigations.

Further examination uncovered a noticeable difference in blood pressure between the patient’s arms, along with abnormal blood flow sounds in the neck. These signs indicated a possible blood vessel disorder rather than infection.

Advanced imaging later confirmed widespread inflammation and narrowing of major arteries supplying blood to the brain and upper body. Within days, doctors reached the final diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis, a rare inflammatory disease affecting large blood vessels and one that can be difficult to detect in its early stages.

Takayasu arteritis is more commonly seen in young women and often begins with general symptoms such as fever, fatigue and body pain. Because these symptoms closely resemble common infections, diagnosis is frequently delayed. If left untreated, the condition can lead to stroke, organ damage and long-term disability due to reduced blood flow.

Once the diagnosis was confirmed, the patient was started on targeted treatment to control inflammation. Doctors said the timely intervention helped reduce the risk of serious complications and improved her overall outcome.

Dr Muhammed Azhar Abdullah, Consultant Rheumatology and Specialist Internal Medicine at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, said:

“Cases like this show that medicine is not only about advanced technology, but also about careful observation and clinical judgment. When symptoms do not fully fit the expected diagnosis,it is important to pause and reassess. Early recognition of Takayasu arteritis can make a significant difference to outcomes, and in this case, teamwork and attention to subtle signs helped us reach the correct diagnosis in time.”

The case highlights the importance of combining modern diagnostics with strong clinical assessment, and reflects the growing capabilities of NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah in managing complex and rare medical conditions through multidisciplinary care.

Annie Bond, 37, was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in August 2015. Shortly after sharing her diagnosis, some of her friends sent miracle cures and wigs in the mail. 

“That was weird because I didn’t even know if I was going to lose my hair,” Bond says.

Bond has lived with metastatic breast cancer for over a decade and has lost friends who were not comfortable with the way her life has changed.

“The best thing anyone ever did was just stick around and stay open-minded. Just remember everything that’s true about your friend or your loved one is still true after they’re diagnosed,” she says.

When someone you love is diagnosed with metastatic or stage 4 breast cancer, you may struggle to find the right words or wonder what kind of support will actually help.

A stage 4 diagnosis will drastically change your loved one’s life. Before you try to help, remember that they are still a full, complete person, not just a cancer patient. Continuing to show up can make a meaningful difference as they navigate their life with metastatic disease. Focus on what you can do to help, rather than retreating from the relationship out of fear.

Do: Respect Boundaries

Every person with metastatic breast cancer is different; some people want to share updates, while others prefer to keep their journeys private.

Frances Malinis, 42, who was diagnosed with triple-negative metastatic breast cancer, says she was very selective about who to share information with initially. She knew some people would not handle it well, and others would try to make themselves part of the “drama.”

“Don’t try to get information out of [your loved one] that they’re not already wanting to give. Because what are your intentions? Are you just looking for entertainment?” Malinis says.

Try not to get offended if your loved one seems distant because they may not have the energy or emotional bandwidth to respond to every message you send. 

“One of the main things families can do is to be incredibly patient and understanding with the level of anxiety and fear that patients live with,” says Ian Sadler, PhD, an assistant professor of medical psychology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Do: Try to Educate Yourself About Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer means the cancer has spread to the bones, lungs, liver, or other parts of the body. While it is not yet curable, it is manageable for many people.

“Modern developments in cancer treatment have turned metastatic breast cancer into a chronic disease for many patients,” says Swati Sikaria, MD, an oncologist at a Cedars-Sinai affiliate in Torrance, CA.

Prognosis varies person to person, but new treatments have significantly extended survival rates and quality of life for many people with metastatic breast cancer.

Malinis says some friends would ask how much time she had left, and others would send messages that felt like a eulogy. “I get that they wanted to express their care and love for me, but don’t write me off yet,” she says. 

Do: Provide Practical Support

People living with metastatic breast cancer have to fit frequent healthcare appointments into their schedules. Sometimes, it’s best to offer to help with specific chores or errands rather than saying, “Reach out if you need anything.” 

“As a patient, I don’t really know what I could ask for from people,” Malinis says.

Some useful things to suggest might be rides to and from the doctor’s office, pet or babysitting, house cleaning, meal prepping or grabbing groceries or other household items while running your errands.

Malinis says sending flowers, comfort food, or food delivery gift cards also shows you are thinking of your loved one. If you want to drop gifts off, leave them on the doorstop. Don’t expect to socialize if your loved one does not feel ready to welcome guests. 

Do: Honor Your Loved One’s Independence

If your friend or family member asks you to join them at a doctor’s appointment, show up in a way that honors their independence.

“The support of family and friends is pivotal in the life of someone with metastatic breast cancer, but it’s important to come in with the goal of supporting that individual and not trying to assume control or take over the situation,” Sikaria says. 

If you want to support your loved one, Sikaria says you can:

• Help them write down their questions prior to the appointment.
• Talk to them before the appointment to learn if they even want to ask the oncologist about their prognosis.
• Provide an extra set of ears and take notes during the appointment.
• Trust that the oncologist is developing the best care plan for the patient, rather than offering your own ideas on supplements or treatments.

Don’t: Offer Diet Advice 

You may be inclined to investigate whether diet or other lifestyle factors contributed to your loved one’s diagnosis, but this is not helpful. 

Breast cancer development is complex, and as many as 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. Age, being born female, dense breast tissue, and genetic factors all increase risk. While certain lifestyle factors also contribute to breast cancer risk, having a poor diet does not automatically mean someone will develop cancer. 

“All of us will blame ourselves first, so please do not do anything to help us blame ourselves,” Bond says.

Don’t: Pretend Like They Don’t Have Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is a permanent part of your loved one’s life. You will have to balance acknowledging their disease while also respecting their boundaries.  

“We didn’t ask to have this disease,” Bond says. “It doesn’t mean that we did something wrong, but the truth is the truth, which is that we have this disease forever.”

Even if your loved one is in remission or has no evidence of disease, like Bond, cancer still touches every aspect of their life. 

“I just wish that people would stop expecting us to forget about the cancer and be done with it when we’re metastatic,” Bond says. “Sorry, we don’t get that option.”

PEOPLE