- Special focus on Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) model to support speedy mediation and amicable settlement
Dubai: The DIFC Courts and Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) have signed an agreement that will see Dubai’s leading healthcare free zone become the first government entity to utilise the services of the DIFC Courts’ newly created Special Complaints Referral Centre (SCRC).
Signed at the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress by Zaki Bin Azmi, Chief Justice, DIFC Courts, and Dr. Ramadan Alblooshi, CEO, Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Regulatory, the agreement builds on a strong relationship forged by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities in 2018 and establishes a framework for DHCA to benefit from the specialised expertise derived from the mediation mechanisms available in the successful Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) model.
In 2018 the DIFC Courts’ SCT mediators handled over 390 cases, with an average of four weeks for a case to be resolved. The SCT enables smart, quick and amicable settlement of claims up to half a million dirhams, either virtually from a laptop or smartphone via smart SCT, or directly in a courtroom.
As of 2018, the Dubai Healthcare City free zone has more than 170 clinical partners including hospitals, outpatient medical centres and diagnostic laboratories, with licensed professionals from almost 90 countries. In addition, it is home to more than 200 retail and non-clinical facilities, and close to 10,000 individuals work in the free zone.
Zaki Bin Azmi, Chief Justice, DIFC Courts, said: “Mediation services are becoming an increasingly popular option for individuals and businesses in Dubai, UAE and beyond for small claims. We are delighted that we can share our knowledge, expertise and best-practices with Dubai Healthcare City Authority and to assist with helping resolve disputes in a more speedy and amicable manner. The newly formed Special Complaints Referral Centre will be available to all public and private sector entities wishing to avail of a more user-friendly, mediation-orientated, form of dispute resolution.”
Dr. Ramadan Alblooshi, CEO, Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Regulatory, said, “As part of our mandate, we seek to strengthen Dubai Healthcare City Authority’s framework of governance and regulation. Our agreement with the DIFC Courts and its newly formed Special Complaints Referral Centre is the next step in providing a more robust and innovative consultation service to efficiently resolve matters relating to labour complaints.”
The UAE’s healthcare market is set to surge to more than AED 103 billion by 2021, with research and analysis predicting growth of up to 8.5% from 2018 to 2023. According to a recent report, increased investor interest in emerging sectors such as the cutting-edge medical device market will also play a role in expanding
the current AED 64 billion market, as will medical tourism and the roll-out of mandatory health insurance.
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About the DIFC Courts
The UAE’s DIFC Courts administer a unique English-language common law system – offering swift, independent justice to settle local and international commercial or civil disputes. The Courts, based in Dubai, provide certainty through transparent, enforceable judgments from internationally-recognised judges, who adhere to the highest global legal standards. The DIFC Courts are independent from, but complementary to, the UAE’s Arabic-language civil law system – offering a choice that strengthens both processes while ensuring public access to world-class justice.
In October 2011, a decree of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, opened the DIFC Courts’ jurisdiction to businesses from all across the GCC region and beyond to provide the international business community with access to one of the most advanced commercial courts in the world.
The DIFC Courts were established under laws enacted by the late HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai in September 2004. The laws establishing the DIFC Courts are designed to ensure that the DIFC Courts provide the certainty, flexibility and efficiency expected by Court users. The Courts’ community-focused approach encourages early settlement, while their successful track record supports Dubai’s growing status as an international business hub.
In line with HH Sheikh Mohammed’s vision, the DIFC Courts serve to develop the UAE national workforce and enhance the competitiveness of Emirati advocates. The DIFC Courts are spearheading training programmes predominantly aimed at local Emirati lawyers, which offer knowledge of, and qualifications in, the English-language common law system.
About Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA)
Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), the governing body of the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) free zone, was established in May 2011 by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the free zone as a preferred and prosperous global health and wellness destination.
HH Sheikh Mohammed appointed HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein as the Chairperson of DHCA and appointed a Board of Directors to drive excellence in quality healthcare, wellness, medical education and research.
DHCA operates through four verticals: Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Regulatory, Dubai Healthcare City Investments, Dubai Healthcare City Education and Research and its most recently-established vertical, Dubai Healthcare City Medical.
In line with the Dubai government’s vision of developing the emirate into a healthcare hub, DHCA and its verticals work together to increase access to quality healthcare services, improve patient safety and enhance capacity and capabilities in medical education and research.
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