77 pc of Dubai’s labour force without health cover

A whopping 77 pc of people from the low income bracket in Dubai do not have any health cover, according to results of the first comprehensive Household Health Survey.

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Sat 3 Jul 2010, 1:15 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 2:45 PM

In comparison, 80 per cent of people from the high income group (with an average income of Dh12,725 per month) are covered, of which only five per cent of UAE nationals do not hold a government health card while 50 per cent are covered by private health insurance.

Films to make labourers aware about heat stress

The Ministry of Labour took a unique step aimed at spreading awareness about heat stress which labourers are susceptible to suffer from as temperatures rise.

The ministry, along with National Trading and Pharmaceutical Establishment (NTPE) has started screening films all across the country which inform labourers on symptoms of heat stress and precautions to be taken, including the first aid procedures involved.

The drive began on June 21 and will continue for 10 days. This is a part of the ministry’s nation-wide campaign on midday work ban from June 15 to September 15 from 12.30pm to 3pm.

Humaid bin Deemas, acting Director-General of the MoL, said, “Even workers who are not working under direct sun may face the risk of heat stress so they need to cover themselves while working.”

The films feature animation and were produced by NTPE in collaboration with the inspection sector of the Guidance Department in the ministry. The campaign targets workers to make them aware about the midday work break rules of the MoL. In the video, they are encouraged to report violations on toll free number 800665.

Posters and brochures printed in Hindi, Urdu, Bangali, Chinese, Malayalam, Telugu and other languages are being distributed to workers on work sites and labour accommodations all over the country.

NTPE has formed teams to coordinate with the MoL’s inspectors in enhancing the effort. Snehal Deshpande, manager of NTPE, said, heat stress is a serious issue that should be considered by companies to ensure the well-being of their staff. He said, “When humidity is higher than 60 per cent, the body cannot cool itself, and that is why everybody should be aware of the precautions to be taken to avoid heat stress.” - By Anwar Ahmad

The average earning for the low income group has been estimated at Dh2,273. Majority of Arabs and Indians do not have insurance cover, according to the survey that covered 5,000 households.

The survey is slated to be the cornerstone of future healthcare policies and standards in the emirate.

While an equal number of nationals and expatriates (2,500) aged 18-59 were part of the survey, some 700 individuals from labour accommodations who earn only up to Dh700 a month were also included.

Officials from the Dubai Health Authority on Sunday said that based on the data collected, Dubai is planning a health funding model that will fulfil the basic healthcare needs of all income groups.

“We have surveyed both blue and white collar workers based on which we are developing funding models that will cover their basic needs,” said Laila Al Jassmi, CEO of Health Policy and Strategy Sector at the authority. “We are assessing what is the minimum coverage they need to go for.”

The survey also revealed that 16 per cent of expatriates were exposed to passive smoking as compared to 11 per cent of UAE nationals, while only nine per cent of nationals smoked any form of tobacco as compared to 13 per cent expatriates.

Prevalence of diabetes was higher in the UAE nationals — standing at 16 per cent compared to only eight per cent in expats though it increased with age in both.

Hypertension was also higher in nationals at 22 per cent as compared to three per cent in expats.

“This is because of the migration trend in the country,” said Dr Eldaw Abdalla Suliman, Head of Research and Performance Management in the DHA’s Health Policy and Strategy Sector. “Over the years, younger expatriates have migrated to the UAE,” he said.