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Sixty inspectors were appointed at Amer centres to offer support and ensure the initiative is not exploited
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Hepatitis C medical test put on hold for expats, for now
Expatriates residing or entering Dubai will not be screened for Hepatitis C
But might have to undergo general health screening under the newly-introduced medical fitness screening tests, according to a senior health official.
Maisa Al Bustani, Head of Medical Fitness Centre, Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services (Dohms), said yesterday that though the Cabinet order issued in April had come into effect on July 1, Dohms would not carry out the tests until October 1 due to logistical issues.
However, fee for the tests will be charged from anyone who undertakes the tests now. The law also prohibits private health and municipal centres (except Dubai Municipality) from carrying out the fitness tests.
According to the decision that was announced on July 1, expatriates renewing/applying for a residence or work visa will be required to undergo a number of medical fitness screenings for diseases including: HIV, Hepatitis B&C, tuberculosis, syphilis and leprosy, besides the X-ray, blood, urine and stool tests. Vaccination for Hepatitis B&C is also compulsory.
"Recently, the committee decided that testing for Hepatitis C would be removed due to the few number of cases, but technically it is still under study," explained Maisa.
However, if a person is found unfit and suffering from any of these diseases, he/she will be deported. The decision applies to the Ministry of Health, and the health authorities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
She said that general health screening, including eye and skin tests, would be conducted by the doctors, as part of occupational health tests.
People who are especially under the scanner include housemaids, clerks, salon and restaurant workers and educators/teachers as they can cause direct spread of disease.
All residents will either be required to hold a health card that will cost Dh300 or a valid health insurance policy. Tests for HIV, TB, Hepatitis B will be carried out for Dh250 while Dh50 each will be charged for stool and urine tests, and only for the first dose of the Hepatitis vaccine. Dohms will attest a valid health insurance policy for Dh200 in the absence of a health card.
Shortage of vaccine, staff and capacity has prompted the Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services (Dohms) to postpone the implementation of the tests until October 1.
Currently, Dohms carries out 50,000 tests a year while at least 6,000 doses of vaccines are administered daily. "I expect the number to triple by next year since the private sector will not be participating anymore," said Maisa.
To balance the expected load, a massive health centre is under construction in Ghusais. "The load will be shifted from Maktoum Hospital which would shut down soon," said Maisa. Five X-ray machines worth Dh5 million would also be installed in the Ghusais centre.
The Ghusais centre will be an isolation unit that can quarantine over 60 people infected with HIV/Aids or tuberculosis. "Until now, HIV positive people are admitted to Al Baraha Hospital's isolation ward awaiting deportation while those with TB are admitted in Al Maktoum or Rashid Hospital or immediately deported depending on their condition," said Maisa.
The centre will have a waiting area with a capacity of 200 people. "It will also have state-of-the-art medical equipment, 15 counters for blood collection and an office for Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department officials," she added.
Dohms will also open another centre in Jebel Ali exclusively for the employees of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority.
Currently, two exclusive centres - in Dubai International Financial Centre and Safa - offer VIPs and executives service. Another centre in Dubai International Airport caters to the officials and employees of the airport.
Besides, Al Maktoum Hospital, the service can be availed at the Satwa and Jebel Ali Centre. Centres in Al Mankhool, Al Twar and Al Khawaneej are specifically for housemaids and companies registered with these centres
"We have an agreement with Dubai Municipality. Therefore, we will continue our service with them," she added. The fee for exclusive centres in Safa and DIFC is Dh690 and Dh350, respectively.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
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