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MoH to set up health services panel soon

DUBAI — The Ministry of Health (MoH) will soon set up a federal health services authority to develop and enhance health services in the emirate, a senior health official announced yesterday.

Dr Ali bin Shukr, undersecretary in MoH, said: "Based on earlier announcements made by the Minister of Health, Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qutami, the Emirates Authority for Health Services will be set up soon."

"Details of its functions are being prepared by the MoH for approval by the Ministerial Council and will be executed soon," he added.

The official said the new authority would look into the regulatory and policy-making aspects of health services. "Setting up of a health services operational department are also being looked into," he explained.

Dr Shukr said, "The general perspective of the authority is that it is an establishment which will be fully integrated with other government authorities in offering services. Meaning, it is service authority under the minister of health," he explained.

He, however, said the ministry was yet to set standards, make preparations and general plans for health services in the country in cooperation with all concerned authorities, at both local and federal levels. "The MoH will play the role of a general monitor to assure quality of health services for residents," he explained.

Dr Saeed Abdullah bin Ishaq, director of Quality Control in MoH, explained that the ministry was planning to follow the Malaysian/ Singaporean model of health services.

"There are two bodies in these countries that manage the health affairs which include policy-making and regulations and an operational body. This will be done in the UAE," he said.