Thursday, Mar 15, 2012
Gulf News
Dubai In a breakthrough agreement yesterday, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that unifies licensing procedures for health care practitioners working in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The memorandum through its mutual recognition of medical licences will improve cooperation between the two health authorities, benefit health care professionals, and improve the health sector in the UAE. Under the new agreement, practitioners who have a licence from either emirate will be exempt from primary source verification and assessment procedures, saving them time and facilitating movement.
Abu Dhabi practitioners can now easily apply for a licence to practise in Dubai and vice-versa, said Qadi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director-General of the DHA.
“At a strategic level this procedure will significantly benefit the health sector; it will improve access of health care professionals by facilitating their movement within the two emirates. This translates into the best benefits for patients,” he said.
No duplication
He explained that there will be no duplication with both authorities recognising each other’s licences.
“This will also benefit visiting doctors who travel from abroad and visit the UAE for a few days to perform certain procedures. Previously they needed to undergo the procedures of applying for a licence in both the emirates, if they wanted to provide their services to patients in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”
The need for such an agreement was explained further by Dr Ramadan Ebrahim, Director of DHA Health Regulation. He said that the memorandum provides an incentive for specialists to work in another emirate.
‘Simplifying the process’
“This is to facilitate movement of health care professionals by simplifying the licensing process. For instance, a Dubai hospital that has a branch in Abu Dhabi can now easily transfer its specialists. This move is definitely a form of investment that will attract specialists through more job opportunities.”
Dr Amjad Hassan, dentist in Dubai-based Camilia Poly Clinic said he was ecstatic about the new procedure. “We wanted to open a second branch in Abu Dhabi, but were hesitant. Now we can consider it.”
Courtesy: DHA
Signing ceremony
Zaid Al Siksek, CEO of the Health Authority Abu Dhabi, and Qadi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director-General of Dubai Health Authority (DHA), sign the MoU to recognise the medical licences of health care professionals working in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
This procedure will significantly benefit the health sector; it will improve access of health care professionals by facilitating their movement within the two emirates.”
Qadi Saeed Al Murooshid
Director-General, DHA
By Carolina DSouza ?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
