The UAE will soon have a new national health policy. It will be prepared with the assistance of experts from the United Nations, the United States, Germany and other countries.
This was announced by Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Madfa, Minister of Health, during the question hour at Federal National Council (FNC) session yesterday.
During a marathon debate, the FNC discussed the general policy of the health ministry in the presence of the minister and 11 of his senior officials.
The council began its debate with the long-awaited national health-insurance scheme. The issue was raised by seven members to discuss the overall ministry policy.
The council also reviewed a report from the house committee on the ministry's performance during the last two years. The report contained a set of 12 recommendations for the improvement of health services in the country.
The committee called for the application of a medical insurance policy to reduce the burden of treatment on the government.
The panel suggested the ministry should decide the method of application. "The private sector should cater to the needs of its employees," the council said in its report.
The council called for a law to deal with medical malpractice of physicians.
Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Madfa, Minister of Health, told the house that the number of such cases is quite small, only three to four a year, and most of them involve financial matters.
The other recommendations include the expedition of the process of emiratisation in all medical specialities. The council also suggested a special salary structure to encourage locals to join the medical profession.
During the question hour, Al Madfa said the ministry has stiff regulations for allowing doctors to practice in the country. "They are only allowed to practice after undergoing certain tough examinations as per the ministry policy."
More than a dozen members took the floor yesterday to raise their points of view, mainly focusing on lifestyle, chronic diseases, poor conditions of hospitals and clinics in the East Coast and the process of employing locals in the ministry.
Mohammed Hassan Al Dhanhani was critical of the ministry and said most of the remote hospitals are poorly maintained and are understaffed. He said health facilities are very poor in the areas between Fujairah and Dibba.
"Very few health facilities are available between Fujairah and Dibba. There are no eye specialists and the residents are forced to seek private health services."
Responding to the member's query, the minister assured the house the issue will be looked into and a study is underway for the establishment of a preventive department in Dibba.
Another member, Saeed Hafeez Al Mazroui raised the issue of the growing number of cancer patients. He also drew attention to the World No-Tobacco Day, which was held on Monday around the world.
The minister also told the house the ministry has a permanent anti-smoking campaign. "The trend of smoking among the youth, particularly students, has gone down, showing encouraging results."
Member Matar Ali Huwaidan drew attention to the condition of Al Dhaid Hospital in Sharjah saying it was in poor condition and needs the ministry's attention.
The member also referred to a shortage of drugs in government hospitals. He claimed most of the important medicines are missing from these hospitals.
The minister said there is a shortage of medicine sometimes, but not always. Al Madfa told the house the ministry spends a huge amount of its budget on drugs. "For instance, Tawam Hospital alone needed medicines worth Dhs75 million in a year. We have budgetary constraints. The demand is increasing as the population increases."
Referring to Al Dhaid hospital, the minister said a new hospital has opened in Dhaid.
Focus on services and practices
Application of a medical insurance policy to reduce the burden of treatment on the federal government.
A law to deal with medical malpractice.
Expediting emiratisation in all medical specialities.
A special salary structure to encourage nationals to join the medical profession.
Intensifying awareness campaigns to curb the dangers posed by lifestyle diseases.
Setting up specialised medical centres to handle the growing cases of chronic diseases.
A comprehensive plan to improve the quality of services delivered by the hospitals.
Gulf News
