• Home

Annual medical check-ups for nationals

DUBAI — Annual medical check-ups have been made compulsory for all UAE nationals, the Ministry of Health said yesterday. The check-ups would be free.

They would be made mandatory for expatriates also in future but they will have to pay a certain fee, Dr Mariam Mattar, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health and Primary Health Care at the MoH, said.

The check-ups are part of the Primary Healthcare Programme of the MoH to produce a “healthy generation in a healthy environment”.

“This programme existed earlier but was not organised well. We have now put it in order. A pilot project was launched in July at two Primary Health Care Centres (PHCCs) in Sharjah — at Al Wasit and Al Rigga,” she said, adding the project would be extended to other areas depending on its success.

The decision to make annual check-ups mandatory has been taken after a local order was passed in this regard earlier this year.

“People of all ages, including children, will be required to undergo regular annual health check-ups at PHCCs. However, how often they require to undergo them will depend on their health, age and other vital factors,” said Dr Mariam.

This procedure is different from the check-up required while obtaining a health card. “We are expecting at least 3,000 people to take part in the project,” she said.

“Caring about health and preventing diseases are the basic objectives of the health services in the country,” Dr Mariam said.

Dr Haifa Hamd, Deputy Director, Central Department for Technical Affairs, PHCC, said: “The programme is based on international standards but has been adapted to suit the local population.”

She said the decision would also help in establishing a clear mechanism to promote health education among the masses as the results would be an important reference for the MoH employees.

Dr Haifa, who is also the supervisor of the programme, said the check-ups would include radiology and laboratory tests if required for early detection and prevention of diseases.