Navigating the intricate web of Information Technology infrastructures, data centers and the art of building and leading IT teams, Sameer Khoory takes center stage as the Information Technology Director at the Ministry of Health and Prevention. His expertise spans various domains including system infrastructures, ERP applications, business analysis, IP telephony infrastructures, E-services, and security infrastructures.
Managing the IT initiatives, Sameer is driving transformative projects that extend beyond conventional boundaries. From spearheading data center projects to architecting robust IT departments, Sameer’s role is marked by a strategic vision that seamlessly aligns with the Ministry’s objectives. In the domain of E-services, Sameer’s impact is evident in facilitating a technological bridge between healthcare and the end-users.
Known for his prowess in building and leading IT teams, Sameer has cultivated an environment where innovation thrives and challenges are met with strategic solutions. As the linchpin in IP telephony infrastructures, his initiatives have not only streamlined communication but have also laid the foundation for a resilient and efficient network.
In the ever-present realm of security infrastructures, Sameer has also championed initiatives fortifying the Ministry’s digital fortress, ensuring a robust defense against evolving cyber threats.
A Decade of Dedication
Being a seasoned professional in healthcare technology projects, Sameer embarked on his journey in 2013 by contributing significantly to the sector’s evolution. His initial foray was with the Dubai Center Ambulance focusing on enhancing services and optimizing ambulance operations. By 2015, Sameer managed the role of IT Group Director at Dubai Healthcare City, overseeing seven critical IT departments including MBRU, Hamdan college, DHCC, DHCA, DHCR, Al Jalila Foundation and Al Jalila hospital. For two impactful years until 2017, he adeptly managed these entities fostering technological advancements.
In 2019, Sameer brought his wealth of experience to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), where he continues to make strides in healthcare technology. Notably, even after officially retiring in 2010, Sameer remains an active freelance consultant for key entities such as Dubai Healthcare City, Al Jalila Foundation and other health entities showcasing his enduring commitment to the field.
Building Cohesive Teams
With his insightful approach to team building, Sameer emphasizes, “To ensure the success and cohesion of the team, my approach is to build IT department technology.” His strategy revolves around nurturing the individuals within the team by fostering a collaborative environment where everyone works seamlessly together. In Sameer’s words, “I always build the people who work with me and we all work as a team.” This philosophy underscores the significance of a united and harmonious work culture.
Upon joining MOHAP in 2019, Sameer’s leadership journey included pivotal steps. “My initial steps included establishing data centers and infrastructure,” he explains. Concurrently, he spearheaded the development of applications and initiated the formation of new teams dedicated to applications, integrations and business analysis. Sameer’s commitment to both technological infrastructure and the people behind it underscores his holistic approach to achieving success in healthcare technology at MOHAP.
Maximizing Efficiency
Sameer reflects on the streamlined efficiency that occurred in 2013, stating, “Within three entities, the Dubai Ambulance utilized ERP, resulting in no need for our own development efforts.” Sameer’s expertise extends to the Ministry of Health where a centralized Finance ERP was in use. Here, Sameer notes, “While there, we engaged in development and implementation,” showcasing his hands-on involvement in optimizing technological resources.
Similarly, at Dubai Healthcare City, Sameer navigated the landscape of technology solutions, sharing that ERP was employed at that time. Despite its basic functionality for the seven entities, Sameer emphasizes that it was a hyper module from the company’s implementation eliminating the necessity to hire ERP specialists. Sameer’s pragmatic approach to leveraging existing technology highlights his ability to maximize efficiency and minimize the need for extensive development efforts in the healthcare technology sector.
Transformative Connectivity Through SDWAN Project
At the Ministry of Health, the SDWAN project emerged as a transformative solution to a major connectivity challenge across 120 hospitals and clinics. The traditional methods were replaced with Secure SD-WAN, resulting in a remarkable 60% cost reduction on telecon billing and improved security of 70 %. This innovative approach not only enhanced connectivity but also proved highly scalable during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Secure SD-WAN, featuring advanced capabilities like NGFW, routing and ZTNA application gateway functions facilitated a seamless transition to SASE and SD-Branch. The project not only simplified network and security operations but also enabled a Zero Trust Architecture. With features such as application resilience, integrated advanced security and scalable, high performance, the SDWAN project showcased operational efficiencies ensuring the highest level of application availability and performance.
The unified solution encompassed a secure SD-Branch with the support for a hybrid workforce, multi-cloud connectivity, optimized app performance, and automation of design, deployment and operations.
Setting Benchmarks with Dubai Healthcare City
Dubai Healthcare City witnessed a highly successful venture in the domain of administrative licensing projects. This notable project focused on streamlining and administering licensing processes within the healthcare sector. Aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, the project played a crucial role in simplifying administrative tasks related to licensing.
Its success was marked by the notable impact it had on the overall management of licensing procedures, solidifying its position as one of the most successful ventures in this domain. Through meticulous planning and implementation, the project not only met but exceeded expectations, showcasing Dubai Healthcare City’s commitment to excellence in healthcare administration and setting a benchmark for similar projects in the industry.
Clear Vision, Solid Foundation
In emphasizing the crucial role of a well-defined business approach, Sameer asserts that the success of any entity relies on the business. At MOHAP, Sameer leads by example, stating, “In MOHAP, we have established a solid business framework.” This framework serves as the foundation for a clear vision in projects, allowing for the effective delivery of E-services for licensing and all healthcare services provided through the platform. Sameer’s commitment to a robust business strategy underscores the importance of a structured approach for achieving success in healthcare services at MOHAP.
Connecting Care
Sameer shares a milestone in telecommunications happened in 2020, stating, “Concerning IP Telephony Infrastructures, we standardized our entire IP telephony system.” Sameer’s strategic approach continued with the implementation of virtual telephony systems for efficient communication among department heads.
In a bid to enhance communication within the medical staff, Sameer adds, “Furthermore, we improved communication by integrating a third-party solution on top of IPT devices, leveraging the excellent performance of Wi-Fi.” This forward-thinking initiative not only improved internal communication but also marked a pioneering achievement in the region for healthcare technology.
Innovation in Action
At the forefront of healthcare IT strategies, Sameer highlights key initiatives shaping MOHAP’s technological landscape, stating, “There are several IT strategies adopted to align our goals related to healthcare.” Here are some notable examples:
- Telemedicine: Sameer underscores the significance, saying, “Telemedicine helps deliver care to patients remotely, especially useful in a pandemic.” This strategy not only addresses current challenges but also has the potential to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
- Digital Transformation: Sameer emphasizes that Digital transformation helps MOHAP keep up with emerging customer demands. This approach not only aligns with UAE business strategy but also significantly enhances the customer experience making all services easily accessible in just three steps.
- Mobile Applications: Sameer highlights the MOHAP Application project, aligning with UAE business strategy with the aim to develop numerous services into proactive smart electronic services.
By adopting these strategies, MOHAP not only improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs but also elevates the overall quality of care showcasing a commitment to cutting-edge, patient-centric healthcare technology.
Strategic Insights
Sameer emphasizes the pivotal role of clarity in business teams for IT specialists. First thing the business should be clear for the IT business specialists. In his approach, he highlights the importance of IT business analysts in serving end users and generating implementable ideas, noting, “My way always is to hire expert BAs or to empower and train the existing BAs.”
Sameer’s strategic focus lies in bridging the gap between the development and business aspects of projects. He acknowledges that this gap is common and affects the projects negatively in a significant way if not handled properly. By prioritizing expertise in business analysis and ensuring seamless collaboration between IT and business, Sameer’s approach not only addresses challenges but also optimizes the overall efficiency and success of healthcare IT projects.
Hands-On Engagement
Sameer emphasizes that the initial step involves active participation in project implementation. This requires their involvement, especially when dealing with services. Furthermore, Sameer highlights the significance of continuous learning. The second thing is attending relevant conferences to share knowledge and acquire new skills. This approach underscores Sameer’s commitment to hands-on engagement in projects and staying updated with industry advancements through collaborative learning opportunities.
Staying Ahead
Sameer’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends is evident, as he notes, “I stay current with industry advancements by actively participating in various conferences.” Sameer’s strategic technology choices and continuous learning contribute to the efficiency and innovation of healthcare services.
Adapting to Change
Sameer asserts that the most advanced form of healthcare is the Telemedicine approach. In 2020, responding to the challenges of COVID-19, Sameer led the development of the E-clinic, stating, “Our initial development was the E-clinic, effectively serving patients and significantly improving healthcare accessibility.” This Telemedicine initiative not only demonstrates adaptability but also underscores Sameer’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services for broader accessibility and improved patient care and free medication delivery to the home.Top of Form
Career Wisdom
Sameer offers valuable advice, stating, “I advise always the IT professionals to enhance themselves and avoid staying in one location.” Reflecting on his own journey, Sameer shares, “Since 1989, I worked in more than 15 different locations and entities to gain more experience and enhance the entities as well.” He believes this proactive approach not only refreshes one’s skills but also increases the chances of receiving better job offers, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and adaptability in the dynamic field of IT. I worked in different kind of services, from government administration, education, military, informant, charity, health and security.
