DHA launches initiative to benefit dialysis patients with limited means

Dubai: In a bid to elevate the financial burden of dialysis patients with limited means, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) launched the “Save a Life” initiative, which aims to provide free dialysis packages to 20 patients every month.

It is estimated that more than 550 million people worldwide are affected by chronic kidney disease, and millions die each year because they do not have access to treatment such as dialysis.

Dialysis is a way of cleaning blood when kidneys can no longer do the job. It gets rid of the body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control blood pressure.

Those who need dialysis are people who lost 85 to 90 per cent of their kidney function.

A healthy person's kidneys filter around 120 to 150 quarts of blood each day. If the kidneys are not working correctly, waste builds up in the blood. Eventually, this can lead to coma and death.

Salim Bin Lahej, Head of Health Fund Office at the DHA revealed that the “Save a Life” initiative includes two packages, for the two types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

“The first package, which is for patients who require hemodialysis includes a five day hospital admission, placing a long-term hemodialysis catheter and five hemodialysis sessions. This package also includes the medical tests required before undertaking the treatment,” said Bin Lahej.

Bin Lahej revealed that the authority aims to treat 10 patients every month as part of this package.

“The second package targets 10 patients monthly, who require peritoneal dialysis. This package includes the surgery to place the tube [catheter] into part of the abdomen, three day hospital admission and the tests required prior to the treatment,” he said.

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure and high blood pressure is the second most common cause of ESRD. Other problems that can cause kidney failure include: Autoimmune diseases and

Genetic diseases (such as polycystic kidney disease), to name a few.

Bin Lahej revealed that those eligible to apply for the initiative must provide the following documents: a salary certificate, valid UAE residency (tourist visas are not accepted), letter from work proving the patient does not have health insurance, an account statement and proof that the patient has not received or is receiving financial aid from another party.

“This initiative, which is being implemented in partnership with the private sector, will be open until further notice to help as many patients in need as possible. It is one of the DHA’s Health Fund’s many projects that aim to benefit those in need,” He concluded.

For further information on the “Save a Life” initiative kindly contact kaalseelee@dha.gov.ae

Two new Dialysis Centres

Last December the DHA revealed its plans to establish two dialyses centres in Al Barsha and Al Twar.

The Barsha Dialysis Centre is expected to be completed in 2019, it will operate in two shifts and be home to 60 beds covering around 120 patients a day.

Meanwhile, the Twar Dialysis Centre is expected to be completed by end of 2020 and will be home to 30 to 40 beds.

The two centres will operate under the umbrella of the Specialised Healthcare Services Sector to provide the best treatment services for chronic kidney disease patients across Dubai.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:
Mahmoud Al Ali
Kamakshi Gupta and Noor Nazzal
Head of Media
Communications Analysts- Media Dept.
Dubai Health Authority
myalali@dha.gov.ae
klgupta@dha.gov.ae  nnnazzal@dha.gov.ae
+9714 219 7260, +9714 2197455

About the Dubai Health Authority:
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. 

Prior to the establishment of the DHA, the Department of Health and Medical Services, which was established in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.

In May 2018, H.H Sheikh Mohammed, issued Law No. (6) Of 2018 of the DHA. The new Law further enables the 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.

According to the Law, DHA will ensure the availability of quality medical insurance programmes, improve medical services according to the highest international standards, contribute to providing attractive infrastructure for investments, boost Dubai’s position as a global hub for medical tourism and medical education, encourage innovation in the healthcare sector and improve preventive healthcare measures.

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 and matching the results with future investments, licensing and monitoring medical workers and medical facilities according to DHA’s approved regulations. Its responsibilities also include regulating medical education and medical research in collaboration with competent local and international authorities and drafting 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. 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.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed also issued Decree No. 17 of 2018 establishing subsidiaries of the DHA: the Dubai Healthcare Corporation and Dubai Health Insurance Corporation to further enhance healthcare services in Dubai and enable DHA to fulfil its responsibilities and obligations.

Three new strategic sectors were also added as part of the decree; they include Strategy and Corporate Development, Health Regulation, and Shared Support Services.

In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta Hospitals, its 12 primary healthcare centres, 17 medical fitness centres and its 6 specialty centres.

For more information, visit DHA’s website: www.dha.gov.ae 

© Press Release 2019