All physicians to collect new license application details by 30th January 2009
Dubai, 08 December 2008: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has today issued a Circular to all healthcare professionals in Dubai, announcing the start of its Grandfathering process, the term used for the renewal of all existing healthcare licences held by all physicians, across both the public and private sectors in the Emirate of Dubai.
The Grandfathering process forms the first part of the first phase of the new regulations being introduced by the DHA to ensure that all physicians in the Emirate of Dubai meet the new criteria for obtaining a new license. This will eventually be extended to include new licenses for all healthcare facilities in Dubai as well.
Dr Essa Kazim, the Director responsible for the health regulation programme at the DHA said: "This is the start of a phased transition programme. The new licensing requirements have been designed to ensure a coordinated approach to the licensing system in Dubai to help drive high standards of quality care as the population continues to grow. DHA health regulation will be establishing a centre at the Al Murooj Rotana hotel from 16th January, where all physicians in Dubai can come to collect their application details. Every physician must have collected these details by 30thJanuary."
The license of those physicians who meet the new criteria will be automatically upgraded to a full license which will be renewable after two years. Physicians who do not meet the criteria will be 'Grandfathered'. This means that their right to practice will be recognised but they will only be given a provisional license covering a specified grace period. They will be asked to enter into a contract with the DHA health regulation specifying that they will seek to achieve the required criteria and/or undertake specified further training that is intended to be available locally. Those physicians who do not meet the criteria during the term of the grace period will have their license suspended or not renewed. Further details can be obtained from the DHA website (www.dha.gov.ae).
In coordination with the ten existing bodies currently responsible for regulating healthcare within Dubai, the DHA is seeking to deliver one single new integrated licensing system for the whole of Dubai. It will be the sole issuer of all licenses for all health professionals and facilities in Dubai. DHA health regulation's objective is to drive the quality of healthcare in Dubai, ensuring excellence and distinction which is recognised around the world. Better quality healthcare will also generate greater consumer confidence in the healthcare system in Dubai. Consequently it will manage all regulatory functions within the medical and health sector in Dubai.
Dubai Health Authority created by Law issued by the Ruler of Dubai in June 2007.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has been empowered to set policy and strategy for health, and to assure the application of that health policy and strategy. The DHA leads an integrated approach across the spectrum of health, anticipating Dubai's future needs and being responsive to users. It will stimulate growth and innovation in the health market, ensuring value for money and quality of services through effective regulation.
The DHA implementation will be undertaken in phases and will take around four years to complete (2012). In the meantime the Department of Health and Medical Services (DoHMS) continues to provide day-to-day medical services.
His Excellency Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid has been appointed Director General of the emergent DHA. He is the only official spokesperson who can comment on behalf of the DHA.
The new Dubai Health Authority (DHA) structure will ensure that health services are better positioned to meet the demand for better healthcare services in the future. The DHA will work to:
Provide a Health Strategy for Dubai that will meet the needs of the predicted growth and change in population
Ensure Public Health is protected and quality of life improved
Ensure partnership between public and private health service providers, bringing together the best international experience to ensure we deliver the best health system possible
Achieve international accreditation of healthcare services delivered across the Emirate by ensuring world-class quality and standards of healthcare
Ensure effective regulation and licensing across the Dubai Health Sector guaranteeing the quality of health services provided
Increase the transparency and accountability of the healthcare system
Drive efficiency so that funding is spent on the most effective healthcare for those who need it
Improve accessibility to the healthcare system and sustainability for the future
Deliver the best training and education opportunities for Dubai healthcare practitioners
DHA Health Funding: The DHA transition team is working closely with the Executive Council (TEC) on all future financing arrangements. Further announcements on the details of the health funding programme will be made in due course.
DHA Health Regulation: Will implement DHA regulatory policy across the public and private health sector in Dubai. Further announcements on the details of the DHA health regulation will be made in due course.
Access to the DHA website can be made at www.dha.gov.ae. Anyone interested in becoming part of the DHA Online Community should log onto the following link: http://www.dhacommunity.com/dha/invite.aspx. Alternatively access can be made via the DHA website.
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On behalf of the DHA, for further details please contact
Nada Al Qassimi
nsalQassimi@dohms.gov.ae
Marcus Pepperell/Philippa Daniels @ FD
marcus.pepperell@fd.com / philippa.daniels@fd.com
Tel: +971 (0)4 332 8832
© Press Release 2008
