Unlimited cancer cover for Dubai visa holders next year
dubai — Three types of cancers will now be covered by the basic benefit plan under the mandatory health insurance scheme of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This makes it the first government entity in the world to provide a complete spectrum of care from screening to treatment.
All Dubai visa holders will have the mandatory health insurance cover and will be eligible for screening and treatment of breast, colorectal and cervical cancer. The authority announced the Basmah initiative of the health funding department on Sunday.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Haidar Al Yousuf, director of health funding, said the directive will come into effect from 2018.
“So, in a couple of weeks, patients who are eligible will be screened for cancer and treated under strict criteria,” he said, adding that even if the screening and treatment exceeds the insurance limit, the treatment will not be stopped.
Previously, cancer coverage under the mandatory health insurance was limited to Dh150,000. Now, this is no longer the case as those detected with breast, colorectal or cervical cancer will receive coverage from screening until treatment.
“Insurance companies will continue to offer coverage and treatment will not stop,” he said.
“This is a milestone in terms of health insurance coverage and we have redefined health insurance through this initiative.
“Screening is as per criteria which includes several factors such as age of the person etc. If a patient is detected with any of the three cancers during this screening, the DHA patient tracking and followup centre is automatically notified. They then ensure that the complete treatment process for the patient is smooth and streamlined.”
Al Yousuf explained that this was possible because the healthcare fraternity has come together to ensure the economies of scale support such a noble initiative.
“People will go through criteriabased screening. If a patient is detected to have any of the three cancers, he/she will be treated under the Basmah initiative at the Dubai Hospital or at a later stage at another recognised centre of excellence in cancer care in Dubai.
“The patient will receive the same level of treatment as we have ensured unified pathways for cancer care in Dubai,” he said.
However at present, only the Dubai Hospital will be offering screening and treatment under this initiative. “Private hospitals can be part of this initiative by applying to become centres of excellence in cancer treatment,” he added.
Early diagnosis is key
Humaid Al Qatami, chairman of the board and director general of the DHA, said: “In line with the vision 2021 plan, this initiative will help in early diagnosis as screening is now a part of the basic benefit plan.
“Additionally, we will be able to provide financial and emotional support to patients suffering from these three types of cancer. Our aim is to provide the highest level of quality care for patients and to support them (in) the best we can.”
The funding department recently added screening services for diabetes, heart disease, newborn and developmental screening as part of the mandatory health insurance cover. In the future, the department hopes to include screening for other diseases such as Hepatitis C.
What is unique about this initiative (Basmah) is that even if the screening and treatment exceeds the insurance limit, the treatment will not be stopped. Dr Haidar Al Yousuf, director of health funding, DHA