Dubai Health Authority discusses implementation of the new law.

Al Qutami highlights the importance of team work and positivity to achieve the objectives of the new DHA law.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 15, 2018:  In line with law No (6) of 2018 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the DHA held today a workshop to discuss the implementation of the new Dubai Health Authority law.

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.

His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of the DHA addressed top-level executives of the DHA at the workshop titled, ‘strategy and transformational change’ and highlighted that team work and positivity are important aspects to successfully implement the new law and its objectives.

Al Qutami highlighted that the organizational structure of the Authority will be changed gradually and the process of transformation will include new structural framework for DHA health entities. 

The two new DHA subsidiaries are:

1.    Healthcare Corporation: Responsible for operating and managing public health and facilities in Dubai. 
2.    Dubai Health Insurance Corporation: Overseeing health insurance services in Dubai.

Al Qutami emphasized that DHA is keen to achieve the objectives of the new law and that human capital is the backbone of the health sector. 
Objectives of the new law: 

1.    Boost Dubai’s position as a global hub for medical education
2.    Provide attractive infrastructure for investments 
3.    Achieve highest international standards in medical services
4.    Enhance the quality of medical insurance 
5.    Disease prevention and promotion of health 
6.    Encourage innovation in the healthcare sector 
7.    Improve preventive healthcare measures 
8.    Boost Dubai’s position as a global hub for medical tourism 

The law mandates the Authority to supervise and inspect health facilities and health professionals in the Emirate and includes the private sector, free zones and DIFC to ensure uniformity and compliance with standards. 

The law includes areas of medical education such as provision of medical education services, promoting research and development in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.

The new law authorizes the DHA to regulate and approve the prices of health services provided by the private health facilities in the Emirate, in coordination with the concerned authorities, and issue decisions regarding the pricing of health services provided by the Authority and its affiliated institutions in coordination with the department.

To ensure the provision of appropriate health services across various segments of society at reasonable prices through the establishment, management and operation of an integrated health information system in accordance with international health and medical standards, in partnership and cooperation with the private sector.

In accordance with the law, the Authority shall study and propose draft legislation governing the health sector, submit recommendations to update and develop it to the competent authorities in Dubai, and provide medical and occupational health examination services in the Emirate, including special development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Center.

During the workshop Al Qutami expressed his special thanks and appreciation to all those who contributed to the strengthening of the health sector from the beginning especially doctors, technicians, nursing staff and administrators. 

He highlighted that the Authority will hold specialized workshops for onboarding so that employees are able to understand the nuances of the law, the workshops will also help provide a platform for open and constructive dialogue as well as define scope of work and responsibility to help achieve the needful tasks. 

Al Qutami highlighted five important elements to achieve success with the implementation of the new law:  public interest must prevail and patient-interest is priority; teamwork and positive outlook; transformation change and development is inevitable to further uplift the health sector, one team approach with focus on consistency and compatibility as well as respect for the system and others and the need to work with flexibility rather than in a stereotypical manner.

Al Qutami highlighted that the transformation will help further uplift the health sector and establish the Emirate as one of the leading medical tourism destinations in the world.