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Both private and government hospitals in the northern emirates have been given three years to adopt and modify their building and licensing standards based on a criteria set by the health ministry.
The new requirements follow American standards and are a step towards implementation of policies to encourage medical tourism in the country, said a senior health official on Thursday while addressing a meeting of representatives from private hospitals.
Following the new standards, general and day care hospitals will be required to change room sizes and hire particular staff to be licensed in future. Upcoming hospitals will have to follow the requirements immediately.
Dr Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary, Medical Policies and Licensing at the ministry said investors have to follow the new guidelines developed under the ministry’s strategy for 2014-2016.
“We want to raise standards and develop competition so as to encourage medical tourism in the country,” he said.
“We already know that a huge number of patients are coming into the country for treatment ... some private hospitals have tie-ups with certain countries in this regard.”
Hospitals and clinics will also be subject to regular audits.
“Patients will be given the opportunity to choose if they prefer to visit a government hospital or private one,” said Dr Amiri.
“This will be done once the federal insurance plan, that is currently being worked upon, is in place,” he added.
In the UAE, 60 to 65 per cent of health services are provided by the private sector.
Dr Amiri also gave an overview of the new unified licensing procedures for medical professionals allowing them to move between the private and government sectors, including from the ministry to the health authorities easily.
The new procedures are expected to be in place soon.
“There will be one licence, one permission, one criteria and one evaluation,” said Dr Amiri. This will be applicable to GPs, consultants, specialists and residents.
Licensing procedures for nurses and other technical staff are also being worked upon, said Dr Amiri.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
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