Abu Dhabi: Members of the Federal National Council yesterday (Tuesday) pressed for providing equal medical services and health insurance coverage for citizens across the country and an increase in the federal health care budget.

Members of the House also demanded more government and private medical colleges with various medical specialities be set up to meet shortages in psychiatrics, public health and social nursing.

Members of the House have voiced concern over the high prevalence of diabetes and obesity as well as cancer among Emiratis, as they debated health policies in the presence of the Minister of Health and Prevention, Dr Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, who pledged to work closely with local health authorities to improve the situation for Emiratis who grow up to become overweight adults if they don’t make a lifestyle change in time.

Members of the House demanded that more control be exercised on private hospitals conducting these surgeries.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), at least 2.8 million people die every year from being overweight or obese. The worldwide prevalence of obesity has more than doubled between 1980 and 2014, with 13 per cent of the world’s adult population alone found to be obese last year.

Nearly 47.5 per cent of UAE residents were overweight, with a BMI between 25 and 30, while another 13 per cent were obese, with a BMI over 30. Since the average BMI in the UAE is 25.6, the average UAE resident is considered overweight, according to most recent surveys. The members of the council voiced concern over the high incidence of cancer among citizens, quoting a study conducted by the Abu Dhabi Health Authority showing 77 cases among every 10,000 people. The study also showed that 20 per cent of cases are prostate cancer.

Tawam Hospital’s statistics showed a 35 per cent increase in cancer cases between 2007 and 2009.

The Minister of Health told the council the ministry was working hard to provide health care of a high standard to citizens and residents across the country.

The minister added that federal draft laws on health insurance and psychiatry were presented to the Cabinet.