Abu Dhabi, Dubai ink doctor exchange pact

DUBAI — Doctors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will now be able to work freely between both emirates, thus offering a wide range of expertise and advanced care.

Heads of both the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD) on Wednesday signed a pact that will unify and make licensing procedures easy for thousands of health professionals from both emirates.

Currently, there are 18,000 licensed professionals in the private and government health sector in Dubai and 22,000 in Abu Dhabi.

Health professionals said that though it would now be easier to share expertise and experience especially in some sub-specialties of the medical field, general practitioners may not be able to benefit much. Some UAE national specialists are already allowed to work between both emirates. The MoU will be beneficial for highly qualified expatriate professionals.

“The move will significantly benefit the health sector in the UAE as healthcare practitioners who work in Abu Dhabi can now easily apply for a licence to practise in Dubai and vice versa,” announced Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director-General of the DHA.

Doctors will be required to register with the corresponding health authorities to able to work in the other emirate. “They will also be exempt from primary source verification and assessment which makes the procedure less time consuming and hassle free and facilitates movement of healthcare professionals across both the emirates,” said Al Murooshid.

The CEO of the HAAD, Zaid Al Siksek, said the pact will improve cooperation between the two entities and benefit Emiratis, other residents and healthcare professionals.

Dr Ramadan Ibrahim, Director of the DHA Health Regulation, said the collaboration will provide an incentive for specialists who are working in either of the emirates to work in the other emirate due to the simplification of procedures.

“This is a very positive move that will enhance cooperation among specialists,” opined Dr Nooshin Bazargani, Cardiologist at Dubai Hospital.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com