DUBAI: Government hospitals in Dubai have increased prices of several procedures and services, XPRESS can exclusively reveal.
A spokesperson of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) said: "Prices of certain procedures at our hospitals have increased, but prices are still very competitive when compared to the private sector. An important point which one needs to take into consideration is that for years, our prices have remained the same and thus, we felt that we needed to raise the price to ensure we cover our expenses."
The husband of a woman due for delivery at Al Wasl Hospital was however not impressed. "Doesn't the government or hospital advertise any increment well in advance?," he asked after his wife registered there because they had found the delivery charges of Dh4,500 affordable. He said he had paid an advance of Dh2,500, but two weeks before the delivery this month, he discovered that the cost had gone up to Dh9,500.
Cash effect
"Honestly, I cannot raise that much cash," he said, adding, "What action would the government take for those with low salaries?"
According to the revised maternity packages at Al Wasl Hospital and Dubai Hospital, both operating under the DHA, the fee for a normal delivery reportedly costs Dh7,000 with a two-day hospital stay, while a caesarean section costs Dh10,000 with a four-day hospital stay. The charges for a normal delivery and stay in a private room now costs up to Dh9,000, while a caesarean section and stay in a private room costs Dh12,000.
Inquiries at the Rashid Hospital revealed that patients will now be required to cough up Dh3,100 per day for stay at the ICU.
While X-rays will cost Dh120, up from Dh50, charges for CT scans and mammograms have gone up to Dh500 from Dh100-Dh150 earlier.
The cost of MRIs has doubled from Dh600 to Dh1,200, with most surgeries costing more, sources said, adding that there will be no change in consultation and room charges.
