National identity card a must to issue health card, says top UAE official

Dubai: The Ministry of Health has issued circulars to directors of medical zones, hospitals and medical centres, stipulating that an applicant must get national identity card before being issued a health card.

Dr Ali Ahmad Bin Shakr, Director General of the Ministry of Health, said: “This step comes in line with the general policies of the UAE, which endorsed the national identity card as an official document that includes all data. It facilitates the bearer to deal with different agencies and public departments in the country.''

He said it will be irrational for a hospital to deal with holders and non-holders of the national identity card equally, such a situation could create confusion and data of patients may overlap.

Bin Shakr said the rule is applicable for UAE nationals and expatriates.