Keeping up with rapid developments in the sector

Dubai: "In the last 40 years, health and health care has undergone a tremendous transformation, keeping pace with the rapid development of the UAE," says Qadi Al Murooshid, director-general of Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

He points out that today the DHA has several hospitals and health centres — The Dubai Hospital, Al Wasl, Hatta and Rashid Hospital, as well as the Trauma and Emergency Centre.

"In addition, we have several speciality centres, such as the Thalassemia Centre and the Dubai Diabetes Centre which provide specialised care to our population and visitors alike," he adds.

Going back to 1973, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS) was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.

Then in June 2007, the DHA was formed by Law 13 issued by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector participation.

The DHA actively encourages investment in the private sector and considers the sector to be its partner in its mission to fulfil the health care requirements of its population.

Strategic plan

"The Authority's mission now is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative health sector," according to a statement issued by the Authority.

This is in line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by Shaikh Mohammad. DHA recently announced the Dubai Health Strategy 2011-2013, which it believes will further strengthen the health care sector in Dubai. "It is a microscopic look into all aspects of health care in Dubai and will help us fill any existing gaps in the current health system," the Director General said.

Its objectives are to improve quality of medical services by facilitating flow of information among patients and health care providers; to promote transparency, competition and choice.

It plans to do that by expanding consumers' access to information on health and health care in Dubai and to promote evidence-based decision-making by collecting and publishing data and statistics. In line with its strategy, the DHA has committed to a number of health care projects including the Al Jalila Children's Speciality Hospital and Al Maktoum Accident and Emergency Hospital in Jebel Ali.

Funding

The DHA's objective is to develop a comprehensive health care funding policy that is economically sustainable and does not hurt business competitiveness or the investment climate.

"This is consistent with UAE and regional initiatives and provides basic coverage to all residents of Dubai while maintaining existing entitlements for UAE Nationals.

The main objective is access — to make sure that all of Dubai's residents have financial access to an appropriate package of health services when they fall ill." DHA said. It is presently working with health insurance companies to provide such coverage for all residents.

DHA TIMELINE

1943: Beginning of health care for Dubai.

Small health care centre in Al Ras opens.

1951:First phase of Al Maktoum Hospital starts.

1952-1973:Al Maktoum Hospital is completed with 157 beds.

1972: Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS) established.

Same year, Rashid Hospital is opened with 454 beds.

1975: Seven community clinics are opened in Dubai.

1978:  Central Services Complex — designated complex for drugs, equipment, stores and laundry — set up.

1979:  DOHMS moves into new headquarters near Rashid Hospital.

1983: State-of-the-art Dubai Hospital with 625 beds established.

1986: Al Wasl Hospital, a 367-bed specialised maternity and paediatric hospital inaugurated.

1988-1995: Six community health centres opened across Dubai.

1998: Concept of primary health care is established.

Adopted in line with WHO motto ‘Health For All By The Year 2000'.

20 heath centres are opened across Dubai.

2007: The Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA) formed.