New agency sets target to revamp health system

Dubai: Plans are underway to revamp the healthcare system in Dubai.

Qadi Al Murooshid, Director General of the new Dubai Health Authority (DHA), told reporters yesterday new provisions and plans will be set up to tackle key functions with regards to policy and strategy, regulation, financing, purchasing, provision, and resources, over the next six months.

"DHA will be the authorised body to implement policies along with having the capability to implement compulsory insurance programmes, enable fairer and more sustainable financing of the agencies. However, a key challenge will be in the form and extent of the compulsory insurance coverage," he said.

Insurance

On the issue of health insurance, he said all residents must obtain one, which will be strategically planned for the next six months.

The future responsibilities of the departments and subsidiary agencies within DHA is to work on developing the medical and dental staff, set a strategic direction for clinical education, establish required data sets for health status, and develop licensing requirements for professional staff, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.