Endless lines: Dubai government health clinics

Dubai : Bathroom breaks are out of the question for expatriates waiting in beelines swarming some Dubai government health clinics.

"You can't leave; no one will let you back in. I've been standing here since 5am," said an office clerk outside the clinic in Deira, which draws thousands of visitors a day. "It's around 11am now, and I just got done with my examination. Now I'm free," said the Bangladeshi man who preferred anonymity.

Many of the dozen or so centres checking if expatriates are fit enough to stay here - they must pass blood and X-ray tests for certain diseases - were overrun after the government banned private clinics from carrying out the "fitness tests" last October, partly because some of them had doctored the results.

"There's one centre in Al Muhaisnah which is not crowded but it's too far. A lot of us [applicants] come to Deira because it's in the centre of the city. Still, the lines here are bad. You'll see people quarrelling all the time," said an Indian documents courier, adding he had showed up "late" (8am). The centre opens at 7.30am.

New measures

The crowds are turned away an hour before the clinic closes at 2.30pm, said a typist who handles paperwork outside the facility.

But officials say they are doing their bit to reduce the rush.

"We are planning to take several steps in a month's time to better serve the clients," said Zuhoor Al Sabbagh, Director of Public Health Services Department at the Dubai Municipality. She also heads the Deira clinic. "You'll see the difference. We are planning to stay open during the weekends and afternoon hours. This will reduce numbers during the week. No one should have to wait more than 20 minutes to take their tests."

An electronic system for applicants to make payments online and get a receipt will also be launched soon, she said.

Al Sabbagh denied the clinic was swamped by up to 3,000 people a day. "Yes, the numbers have gone up, but it's increased by around 500 - to about 1,700 customers per day," she said.

The Al Muhaisnah clinic can handle well over 3,000 visitors, thanks to a computerised ticket number system, dedicated waiting area, and an onsite typing centre.