Covid-19: Dubai suspends all non-essential surgeries for one month

Dubai - The decision could be extended, if necessary.

All hospitals in Dubai have been directed to suspend non-essential surgery for a month.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) decreed that the measures would come into immediate effect at all hospitals licensed by it, as well as day surgical clinics, until February 19.

"This decision is aimed at ensuring that the most critical health issues are prioritised," the Dubai Media Office tweeted.

It added that the decision applies only to elective therapeutic surgeries that require deep sedation or general anesthesia. Elective surgeries that are medical emergencies will be permitted.

These include, but are not limited to neurosurgical procedures, fractures and corrective orthopaedic procedures, cardiological and radiological interventions, stone and urological stent removals, and other urgent procedures in general surgery, ophthalmology, paediatrics, obstetrics, gynaecology and other specialities.

In a circular published on its website on Wednesday, the DHA noted that the decision could be extended, if necessary.

The Dubai Media Office noted that the move would ensure the "highest level of community health and safety".

It is intended to help authorities manage the cases of Covid-19 and ensure the preparedness of health facilities.