AD Ports and Burjeel launch DOCKTOUR to transform healthcare logistics across Africa
20 May 2025 19:02
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)AD Ports Group and Burjeel Holdings have announced the launch of DOCKTOUR, a joint venture aimed at revolutionising healthcare delivery and logistics in Africa. The launch took place at the Make it in the Emirates forum, and was attended by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group; and Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings.DOCKTOUR is envisioned as a full-spectrum platform that integrates logistics infrastructure, modular medical units, training, and emergency response into a unified ecosystem. Its primary objective is to support underserved communities across Africa by providing scalable, resilient healthcare solutions.'DOCKTOUR is about delivering impact where it's needed most,' said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi. 'By combining our logistics strength with Burjeel's medical excellence, we are building a platform that can truly transform how healthcare is delivered in Africa.'The platform will build on Burjeel Holdings' existing operations and management expertise through its subsidiary Operonix, which has a track record of managing large-scale healthcare projects across the continent. It will also benefit from AD Ports Group's extensive infrastructure and footprint in Africa, including 34 terminals and a logistics fleet of 247 vessels.'DOCKTOUR represents a new model of impact,' said Dr Shamsheer Vayalil. 'It's a full-spectrum platform that integrates advanced clinical systems with logistics capability and operational scale. Our aim is to bring care, along with stability, readiness, and partnership, to the regions that need it most.'With a focus on agile deployment, DOCKTOUR will enable the setup of container-based hospitals, mobile clinics, and permanent field hospitals. It will also ensure real-time inventory tracking, timely medical supply deliveries, and robust emergency response capabilities. The initiative aligns with the UAE's broader humanitarian objectives by addressing gaps in critical care delivery during disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and post-crisis recovery.DOCKTOUR will also facilitate capacity-building in local communities through clinical training and educational initiatives, aiming to improve long-term health outcomes. It plans to establish regional medical offices to support healthcare logistics and explore opportunities in medical tourism.DOCKTOUR will also explore the establishment of medical offices across AD Ports Group's areas of operation in Africa to support a range of healthcare-related services, including medical logistics and medical tourism. In response to Africa's rising population and healthcare demands, DOCKTOUR will collaborate with national governments, regional health ministries, and international NGOs to implement programmes ranging from maternal and child care to disease surveillance and mobile health education.
The name 'DOCKTOUR' blends the words 'dock,' 'tour,' and 'doctor,' symbolising the mobility and accessibility of high-quality care enabled through logistics. The platform aims not only to serve immediate needs but to contribute to sustainable healthcare development and economic resilience across the continent.
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