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77pc of Dubai’s labour force without health cover

DUBAI — A whopping 77 per cent 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 that found a striking difference in healthcare provision between high and low income groups.

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. 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.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com