Dubai: Some doctors are taking kickbacks for sending patients for medical tests they do not need, a senior executive of a leading health management services said.
"It's completely perverse, but it does happen in some medical establishments in Dubai," said David Hadley, CEO of EHL management services. "There are only two reasons why you would be sent for more tests. You either need it, or the doctor is trying to pump up his fees," he said.
Hadley said it happens if the doctor's fees happen to be too low. "As a patient you have to think carefully on how ethical the organisation is," said the executive.
Patients sometimes wonder why they need a battery of tests when they go to see their GP. "These doctors are incentivised to do so," said Hadley. Doctors also have decried some medical centres for giving such commissions to their staff.
The CEO said the UAE is a developing country and regulations surrounding health care are coming into effect only recently.
"The negative perception of health care is historical," he said. Hadley said the government is putting a lot of attention to this sector and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is increasing its standards.
"The quality of health care [in the UAE] is very good and is comparable to anywhere else in the world."
EHL is a joint venture between the South African private hospital group Medi-Clinic, Varkey Group and GE. It manages the City Hospital in Dubai Health care City, Welcare Hospital and is studying whether there is a need for another hospital in Abu Dhabi.
Hadley said rising health care costs are a global challenge and attributed it to the ageing population. As heath care is getting better, people are living longer.
He said the lifespan has gone up from 40 years in the 1900s, when people died of diseases such as polio and measles. "Cancer is treatable today, your knees and joints can be replaced," said Hadley.
"Life is more comfortable today [because of health care] and it comes at a price," he said.
Four questions: Ask your doctor
1. What is the purpose of the test?
2. Will it be the only test and what are the side-effects?
3. What is the cost, and is there a cheaper alternative?
4. What would happen if the procedure is not done?
Source — ThirdAge
Are you a victim of doctors making you undergo numerous tests every time you visit? Do you feel the tests are justified? Or does it feel like a moneymaking racket? Share your experiences below.
