Abu Dhabi, 03 Aug, 2021:  On the occasion of the French national day, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, a SEHA Healthcare facility, the UAE’s largest public healthcare network, recived a visit by his Excellency Xavier Chatel, Ambassador of France to the United Arab Emirates, to thank the frontline staff at SKMC who worked tirelessly for over a year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His Excellency Xavier Chatel was welcomed by Dr. Safa Al Mustafa, Chief Nursing Officer, Dr.Shamma Al Mazrouei, Chief Operating Officer and Dr. Fatema Al Kaabi Acting Deputy Chief Medical Officer. H.E. Xavier Chatel was accompanied by Mr. Hugo Henry, Cultural counselor, and Mrs. Célia Darakdjian, Press attachée and Mr. Alexandre Mauger, Intern within the press department. The delegation received a briefing on the latest COVID-19 developments. 

Dr. Safa Al Mustafa, Chief Nursing Officer, SKMC, said: “The frontline staff at SEHA continue to care for COVID-19 patients to protect our community, and we are pleased by the visit of His Excellency Xavier Chatel, Ambassador of France to the UAE. Frontline workers are those who support us in our communities, providing services that are most needed.” 

“We are honored to share the latest developments with His Excellency Xavier Chatel, and extend our deepest gratitude to him, his delegation, and the wider community for sending their thanks and warm thoughts to our nurses and doctors who worked during these challenging times,” she added. 

H.E. Xavier Chatel added: “In this particular context, was there a better way to celebrate our national day than by paying tribute to those fighting day and night the coronavirus pandemic. On my behalf and on behalf of the French community in the UAE, I want to warmly thank the frontline healthcare workers for their priceless commitment. In their honor and in remembrance of the Covid-19 victims, I dedicated a  Tree of Hope in the Residence of France, during a ceremony attended by Emirati representatives of the health sector.”