Budget healthcare now

Budget clinics that will solely address the healthcare needs of low-income workers have been launched by a private medical group.

Read more...
by

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Wed 5 Dec 2012, 9:02 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 1:42 PM

The clinics are expected to plug a gap in Dubai where nearly 77 per cent of people from the low-income workforce are currently without any basic healthcare cover. The average earning for the low income group is estimated at Dh2,273.

Majority of Arabs and Indians do not have insurance cover, according to a Dubai Health Authority survey that covered 5,000 households.

‘Access Clinic’, the budget-model network of clinics by DM Healthcare launched its first clinic at the Ramla Shopping Mall, Dubai Investment Park (DIP) two months ago while another has recently been opened in Deira.

“Over the years, due to various factors, the cost of quality healthcare services has seen a steady increase,” said Dr Azad Moopen, Chairman, DM Healthcare that is running the low-cost model.

“This has led to a situation where all are not able to afford quality healthcare services. With Access networks, as the name suggests, we aim to bridge that gap and make quality healthcare services accessible to all at very affordable costs.”

Costs are minimal, according to the group’s representative. “On an average, a patient can expect to pay 50 per cent less than in other clinics,” said Jobilal Vavachan, General Manager, Operations and Business Development for the group.

“It is not that all other clinics are expensive, but the fact is that this group of workers, who earn between Dh1,000 and 1,200 a month, cannot afford to pay,” he said. “So someone visiting these clinics will have to pay only between Dh70 and 80 for total treatment including consultation.” Price of medicines, however, is fixed by the government.

The group has plans to expand in the near future.

“We plan to open at least 10 clinics in the immediate future in Sharjah, the Northern Emirates and Qatar. We have ensured that our service qualities are not at all compromised while introducing the budget model facilities,” said Dr Moopen.

Vavachan said the response has been good so far with 20-25 patients visiting per day. “We are trying to connect through lectures and medical camps,” he added.

The facility at DIP will provide primary services in General Medicine and Orthopedics. The unit has observation beds for providing immediate care, a laboratory and a radiology unit for prompt and better diagnostics, and an adjoining pharmacy.

The clinic, that is associated with major insurance companies, also has a spacious waiting area for men and women.

Upcoming clinics are in Gold Souk, JAFZA, Muhaisana (Sonapur), Al Quoz Industrial area. Corporates can avail Corporate HMO scheme with added benefits.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

Asma Ali Zain

Published: Wed 5 Dec 2012, 9:02 AM

Last updated: Tue 7 Apr 2015, 1:42 PM

Recommended for you