Law to boost medical tourism in Dubai
dubai — A new law that ensures the availability of quality medical insurance programmes and improves medical services was issued in Dubai on Saturday.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (8) of 2018 on the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Sheikh Mohammed said: “The new Law will facilitate a new growth phase in the healthcare sector and help cement Dubai’s position as a global hub for medical tourism. We want to offer the best healthcare facilities and services and attract top healthcare establishments, the best medical personnel and the most advanced technologies.”
The new law further enables DHA to achieve its objectives including regulating medical services in Dubai, enhancing competiveness and transparency, improving medical services and products based on international best practices and achieving the sector’s objectives according to approved strategic plans.
Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that the UAE places a high priority on health services and community welfare, and developing the sector is one of the most important objectives of the country’s sustainable development plans. He said the government is keen to provide quality medical services.
He called on Dubai’s medical community to pursue innovation and develop creative solutions for meeting future requirements and achieving strategic objectives.
The law specified DHA’s responsibilities to include preparing a comprehensive strategic plan for Dubai’s healthcare sector, conducting studies and surveys to define Dubai’s future needs according to DHA’s approved regulations and developing policies and procedures for the healthcare sector in Dubai.
The law authorises DHA to regulate and approve the prices of medical services offered by private healthcare facilities in Dubai and ensure the quality of medical services. The DHA is also responsible for regulating and facilitating the sending of patients for specialised medical treatment to healthcare facilities both within and outside the country, regulating and overseeing medical tourism in collaboration with concerned authorities, managing and developing policies that govern medical insurance and regulating medical advertising in Dubai. The new law is valid from the date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette. — Wam