DHA set to augment health care facilities

Dubai: New health care facilities will be built in the new areas of Dubai to cater to the continuously increasing population, a senior Dubai Health Authority (DHA) official said yesterday.

At present, medical service facilities are concentrated in Deira and Bur Dubai, said Laila Yousuf Al Jasmi, CEO of Health Policy and Strategy at DHA, as she explained the two-year Dubai Health Strategy to the media yesterday.

New residential and commercial development called the "New Dubai" need primary health care services, she said, adding the private sector is encouraged to invest the said area.

Gated communities

The New Dubai area includes Dubai Marina, the towers opposite in the Dubai Lakes, gated communities such as the Springs and The Meadows and The Gardens, Dubai Investment Park, Greens, among others.

Presently there are only two hospitals in the area — Jebel Ali Hospital and Cedars-Jebel Ali International Hospital. Private clinics have opened in the Discovery Gardens but are unable to handle the capacity.

She said the DHA has allocated land for building healh care facilities initially in residential areas.

Laila said there is an increased demand for health care services in Dubai.

"The recession has had no impact on two sectors — health care and education," she said.

Earlier this month the DHA announced a health strategy that will overhaul the medical sector in Dubai and ensure that everyone can have quick, affordable and efficient access to health care services.

Laila said a major study is under way to find out what is lagging behind and what needs to be fixed to strengthen the health care system in the emirate.

Impact on society

"The study will show not only what facilities but what specialities are needed for the future," she said.

The DHA CEO said the burden of disease has had a huge impact on society.

Cardiovascular disease accounts for 25 per cent of fatalities, she said, adding that measures will be taken to reduce the figure. The CEO said the private sector will be a major player in the Health Strategy.

She said pricing will not be the driver in making Dubai as the hub of medical tourism.

"We are focusing first on standards, accreditation and strengthening the system first," she said. "The consumer now is more educated and know what they want," she said.

Asked when Dubai will make it a law for every resident to be covered by health insurance, she said that it is still under discussion. "That will be the major driver in our Health Strategy," she said.

Infrastructure