Emiratis to receive quality health care

Abu Dhabi: The Federal national Council (FNC) on Tuesday demanded that Emiratis across the country receive standard health care.

The council said the disparity in health care provided to Emiratis especially in the Northern Emirates meant that many families do not receive the services they urgently need.

The legislature recommended that health cards be issued by the Ministry of Health so that all citizens across the country receive standard health care.

Thiqa, launched in Abu Dhabi in June last year, is the health insurance scheme for Emiratis, who, by law, are entitled to free health care.

Free care

The Thiqa card allows them to seek treatment in the private sector, whereas before they were only entitled to free care at government facilities.

Yousuf Obaid Al Nuaimi, a member from Ras Al Khaimah, asked the Minister of Health about his plans to issue health cards for Emiratis to provide them standard health care.

Hanif Hassan, Minister of Health, said in a statement that a committee was formed on instruction from the Cabinet to draft a law concerning health insurance.

Draft law

"A draft law is being studied by the Ministry of Justice, which will be issued in due course."

In November 2008, the Ministry of Health announced that a ratings system for doctors and hospitals would be introduced as part of a drive to make the UAE a destination for medical tourism.