Council passes draft law to set up health authority after heated arguments

Abu Dhabi: A draft law to set up a Federal Health Authority, which was initially declared unconstitutional, was later passed by the Federal National Council (FNC) in just 55 minutes on Tuesday.

The legislature initially said the draft law contravenes article 120 of the UAE constitution, which states that the union of the UAE shall have exclusive legislative jurisdiction in health-related issues.

Dr Abdul Rahim Al Shahin, a legislator from Ras Al Khaimah, argued that establishing a Federal Health Authority will encroach on the powers of the Ministry of Health.

Sultan Bin Saqr Al Suwaidi, a legislator from Dubai, agreed and questioned the rationale behind setting up authorities that are scrapped later on: "If there is any problem with efficiency of the ministry, it should be addressed. But this is not an acceptable justification to mushroom authorities in areas such as education, health and electricity."

The legislature called the setting up of a health authority a catastrophe for the Ministry of Health since conflicting powers will let both the ministry and the authority fail.

Dr Anwar Garagash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, disagreed and said the UAE's political experience constitutes people, norms and practice. "Political issues are not black and white".

Humaid Al Qutami, Minister of Health, defended the draft law and said the health authority will be dedicated to improve health services and performance of hospitals across the country.

However, the FNC succumbed eventually to the government's demands to discuss the 24-article draft law, which was passed in just 55 minutes.

Dr Al Shahin did not take part in debating or passing the law.