Hundreds of chronically ill Emiratis and expatriates received financial aid to get the vital treatment they need from the Mosaadah (assistance) programme of Dubai Health Authority last year. In 2013, 645 patients from public and private hospitals in Dubai who were suffering from cancer, burns and cardiac problems were among those that benefited from funds totalling AED 4.5 million. In 2011, the charity helped 251 patients of 35 nationalities, while in 2012, 299 patients of 34 nationalities were given assistance, according to a report by Abu Dhabi daily, The National. "We try to help people of all nationalities and religions with their treatment," said Salem bin Lahej, head of the programme, adding, "It is important to help these people. If you can not continue your treatment it can be bad for these people". Through this programme, the authority reaches out to both Emiratis and expatriates. The programme does not just support treatment but also provides equipment such as beds, wheelchairs and oxygen machines for those in need. Salem bin Lahej said the programme has helped a significant number of cancer patients, adding, "We are in a position to help people and make their lives change and to be happy and that is important, and since the programme started, we allocated more than AED one million for cancer patients. "Various charities, corporates and community members donated towards this cause and helped us reach out to a large number of patients with financial difficulties." The funds come by way of donations from organisations such as the charitable Beit Al Khair Society and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, with Mosaadah acting as an intermediate between donors and the patients.