The Union Ministry of Health was set up in 1974 according to the constitution of the UAE and its main aim was to promote Health Care and Medical Services to the people of the UAE.One year after it was established in 1975, Dr. Abdul Rahim Jaffar was appointed and since then he has given his best years to the services of the country for over a quarter of a century. His contribution to the development of the Ministry has been immense.
Dr. Jaffar was born in Dubai in 1934. He graduated, obtaining an MD, in 1964 from Pahlavi University in Shiraz, Iran. After graduating he went to study specialize in surgery in the USA at The Jacksonville Hospital, Florida from 1971 to 1975.
Dr. Jaffar came home to Dubai after he finished his studies and was appointed to The Ministry of Health at a senior level. As soon as he started to work at The Ministry, he showed great leadership qualities, taking important decisions that helped The Ministry of Health progress.
He worked on the directives and vision of H. H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, who has always been of the firm belief that development of health and medical facilities in the country was imperative, as the real wealth of the country is its people. He believed everything should be done to promote the health and social services in the country.
Dr. Jaffar, set about to establish modern health care facilities for the people in the UAE. Dr. Jaffar receive immense support from the UAE leaders and the UAE Ministry of Health. Dr. Jaffar is also the Head of the Committee leading the fight against cancer and also the Committee to fight AIDS. Dr. Jaffar's other important contribution was his leading role in the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine and the training of doctors.
