Healthcare leaders in Sharjah push for inclusive medical practices

On the second day of the landmark World Congress 2025 ‘We Are Inclusion’, global healthcare leaders, government officials, educators, and self-advocates came together to address one of the most pressing issues in modern medicine – inclusion. The three-day event, held at Expo Centre Sharjah from September 15 to 17, marked the first time the international gathering has been hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Organised by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) in collaboration with Inclusion International, and supported by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the congress created a platform for more than 500 participants from 74 countries, including 152 speakers and representatives from 160 organisations. Across 59 parallel sessions, discussions focused on building systems that recognise the rights, dignity, and needs of people with disabilities.

One of the most impactful sessions, “Helping Doctors Understand Inclusion,” highlighted how healthcare professionals can play a transformative role in advancing inclusive medical practices. Speakers stressed that inclusion should not be seen as an optional component of medical care, but rather as a foundational principle that shapes treatment, communication, and trust.

The Call for Inclusive Healthcare

In his keynote address, His Excellency Abdulla Abdulalee Abdulla Al Humaidan, Secretary General of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, underscored the urgent need for structural changes in healthcare.

“There is always room to improve and be more inclusive, not only in the health sector, and we have a role to play in building a bridge between the healthcare system and those with disabilities,” he said.

Al Humaidan emphasised that doctors, in particular, hold a responsibility that goes beyond clinical treatment. Their interactions, communication, and willingness to adapt determine whether patients with disabilities feel included or marginalised. He outlined several concrete measures that are currently being developed, such as new communication guidelines and a unified disability glossary to be used across government departments.

“Communication is essential in medicine and treatment,” he affirmed, “and inclusion is an extremely important part of this.” His words highlighted that for healthcare to be truly effective, it must be accessible, respectful, and empathetic.

Academic Institutions Take Responsibility

Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Muhammed Ayas AuD, PhD, CCC-A, Assistant Professor and Programme Lead at the University of Sharjah (UoS), brought the perspective of academia. He argued that building an inclusive healthcare system must start with education and training.

“A good healthcare professional helps everyone; and good care is for all people,” Dr. Ayas said. He stressed that medical professionals should be equipped not only with technical skills but also with the empathy and communication tools required to treat patients as individuals with rights and voices.

He also announced the launch of a new cross-departmental course at UoS titled “Understanding Disabilities.” This programme will be mandatory across faculties, extending beyond medical students to include disciplines such as education, social sciences, and engineering. Its goal is to create a generation of professionals who view inclusion as a natural part of their practice, not an afterthought.

“Once you develop trust,” Dr. Ayas noted, “it makes the care process not only easier but more effective.” His announcement drew widespread appreciation, as many attendees viewed education as the root of long-term change.

The Power of Lived Experience

While government officials and academics offered frameworks and policy ideas, the most powerful testimony of the session came from a self-advocate. Salma Al-Tabbakh, representing the Tamayuz Center, shared her personal experiences navigating healthcare systems as a person with a disability.

“The most important thing is to feel welcomed and respected within medical facilities,” she said, her voice resonating with the audience. “Sometimes doctors seem like they would rather talk and deal with families... but we have the right to know what our own conditions are, and deserve to be included in all conversations.”

Her comments drew attention to one of the most common frustrations among people of determination – being excluded from direct communication about their own health.

“Doctors should take the time to explain things in a way we can all understand, and have the patience to make those within their care feel at ease,” she continued.

Her statement ended with a powerful reminder: “Inclusion starts with respect, and we all deserve respect no matter what our situation or condition is.” The audience responded with long applause, acknowledging that lived experience is a crucial compass in designing inclusive systems.

Global Gathering with Local Impact

The Sharjah congress has not only provided a stage for international dialogue but also highlighted the UAE’s growing role as a leader in humanitarian and inclusive initiatives. By hosting more than 500 participants from across the globe, Sharjah has positioned itself as a hub where ideas about accessibility, equality, and inclusion can be translated into action.

Over three days, discussions have ranged from inclusive education and employment to healthcare and policy-making. What stands out is the practical nature of the sessions. Instead of merely outlining problems, speakers offered concrete steps for governments, institutions, and professionals.

The diversity of attendees has also enriched the discussions. Leaders from 74 countries, including policymakers, advocates, educators, and medical professionals, have shared their experiences and solutions. This mix ensures that the conversation is not just theoretical but grounded in real-world challenges and successes.

Why Inclusion in Healthcare Matters

The emphasis on inclusion in medicine goes beyond moral responsibility; it directly impacts health outcomes. Research shows that patients who feel respected and involved in decision-making are more likely to adhere to treatments, report satisfaction, and achieve better recovery.

For people of determination, who often face additional barriers in healthcare systems, inclusive practices mean the difference between receiving adequate care and experiencing neglect. Communication, patience, and empathy are not just ethical values but practical tools that save lives.

By highlighting these connections, the World Congress in Sharjah has brought visibility to an issue often overlooked in the rush of medical innovation. While technology, new treatments, and advanced research dominate headlines, the congress reminded participants that respect, dignity, and inclusion are equally critical components of healthcare.

Looking Ahead: From Words to Action

As the congress draws to a close on September 17, participants are leaving Sharjah with renewed energy and actionable goals. For government bodies like the Zayed Higher Organisation, the next step involves implementing communication guidelines and building a unified glossary for disability-related terms. For academia, universities like UoS will begin integrating inclusion-focused courses. For advocates like Salma Al-Tabbakh, the priority remains amplifying the voices of people with disabilities to ensure they are never sidelined in discussions about their own care.

The challenge now lies in sustaining the momentum. As one speaker observed, inclusion is not a one-time campaign but a continuous process that requires cultural change. It involves retraining professionals, redesigning systems, and reshaping attitudes.

Yet, the optimism at the congress was clear. With more than 500 voices contributing, a sense of global solidarity emerged. Participants agreed that the shift towards inclusive medical practices is not only possible but already underway, with Sharjah serving as a vital catalyst.The World Congress 2025 ‘We Are Inclusion’ in Sharjah has underscored a transformative truth: healthcare cannot be truly effective unless it is inclusive. From government leaders and academics to self-advocates, voices came together to push for medical systems that prioritise communication, respect, and empathy.

By creating a platform for dialogue and action, Sharjah has not only hosted an international event but has also made a statement about its commitment to human dignity. The challenge ahead is to ensure that the insights shared translate into sustainable change – in hospitals, clinics, universities, and policies worldwide.

Inclusion in healthcare is no longer a concept for the future; it is a necessity for today. And as the voices in Sharjah have shown, it begins with respect.