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New Practical Licence Rules for Dubai Doctors

Practical demonstration of their skills that will earn them a permit and ensure that they are fit to practise, are among the new licensing and revalidation procedures required for Dubai physicians.

A surgical skills laboratory is being planned by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) where physicians will demonstrate their ‘practical efficiency’ before being granted a licence to practise under the authority’s watchful eye to ensure patient safety.

In case physicians fall short of the required skills and education standards required, they will be offered alternative remedial measures such as further training and continuous medical education to continue working in Dubai.

“This is being done to ensure patient safety and see if the surgeon or physician is fit to practise,” said Dr Essa Kazim, CEO Health Policy and Strategy at the authority.

The timeline for this laboratory was being worked out, said Dr Kazim, while giving a presentation to attendees at the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress that concluded last week.

“We cannot judge the surgical competency of any physician from paperwork alone. We will also have to see if the surgeon has worked ‘solo’ or not.”

Data of 3,500 physicians — from the public and private sector — has been recorded since the authority started the process of overhauling its licensing system in 2008.

Under the new system, DHA will be the sole authority to issue licences to physicians and healthcare facilities.

“The new process has been designed to ensure a coordinated approach to the licensing system in Dubai,” said Dr Kazim.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com