The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is in charge of both public and private healthcare in the United Arab Emirates. In both the public and private sectors, the UAE has a high-end healthcare system that provides high-quality services. It has a well-developed, government-funded healthcare system that is governed at both the federal and state levels. Over the last decade, this has resulted in an increase in medical tourism. The UAE was named one of the top ten most effective healthcare systems in the world in 2018.

The public healthcare system is free for UAE residents. Expats can use a health card to gain access to public hospitals and clinics. Dubai Healthcare City, a vast complex of medical buildings and institutions that includes hospitals, clinics, teaching and research facilities, pharmacies, and collaborations with international institutions, is one of the country's leading healthcare facilities.

The UAE's public medical services provide excellent treatment. To admit to public hospitals, expats must have a health card. Trauma, complex emergencies, and specific pathologies are not treated in some private hospitals.

In the Emirate, there are four major government hospitals: Dubai, Rashid, Latifa, Hatta

The UAE public healthcare covers the following

· Emergencies and Maternity services.

· General tests, treatment by general physicians, clinicians, and consultants are examples of basic healthcare facilities.

· Laboratory facilities, radiology testing services, physiotherapy, and prescription medications, and other medicines.

· Necessary vaccinations and vaccinations for children and newborns.

Services that are not included in public healthcare

Dental Examinations. Hearing and vision aids. Surgery or laser vision correction.

How is the healthcare system in the UAE?

The Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) offers the same level of coverage as the UAE's universal healthcare system. You can buy a private healthcare plan or an EBP if your company does not have healthcare benefits for you and your dependents. In Dubai, there is no general practitioner (GP) offices. It is recommended to see a doctor in a public or private hospital or treatment center for non-urgent medical care. A family doctor provides general outpatient consultations for adults and children, as well as a variety of other critical services such as vaccines and gynecology.

Dental care can be expensive, so some expats choose to get their treatments performed in their home countries to save money. In the UAE, private healthcare facilities outnumber public healthcare facilities. The UAE has some of the best public hospitals and medical centres in the country.

The UAE has a large number of pharmacies that are open 24 hours a day.

Popular pharmacies in the UAE include

Al Manara Pharmacy , Aster Pharmacy , Life Pharmacy and BinSina Pharmacy.

In UAE, a wide range of prescription drugs and medical supplies are available. Patients should hold a notarized translated copy of their prescription as well as the original letter from the doctor with them while travelling. In the UAE, tranquillizers, anti-depressants, and sleeping pills are tightly monitored.

Health risks

Many of the major health risks in the UAE are related to dehydration and heatstroke caused by desert winds, and construction can exacerbate symptoms for people who already have respiratory problems.

Emergency care

Public hospitals have free medical care; however, if you do not have a health card, you will be provided one on the spot when you arrive at the emergency room, since all residents are required to provide health insurance. Emergency treatment is also available in private facilities; but, without comprehensive healthcare benefits, it can be incredibly expensive for many.

The UAE is well-equipped to deal with medical emergencies. Ambulance services are available to foreigners by dialling 999.

Between 2014 and 2016, the DHA passed a law requiring all Dubai residents to have health insurance. Companies must offer a healthcare insurance package to their workers that provides a minimum standard of medical coverage. Companies are not required to pay for their workers' dependents' health benefits. Family members and domestic staff, such as nannies, chefs, and drivers, are covered by healthcare benefits for foreign workers.

For more information visit the Insurance System for Advancing Healthcare in Dubai (ISAHD) website. It's worth mentioning that residency visas cannot be granted without evidence of current health insurance.

Dubai is well-known for its high-quality medical procedures and facilities. Medical tourism refers to the trend of taking tourists to the city for treatment. In 2016, 326,649 medical tourists visited Dubai. Orthopaedics, dermatology, and ophthalmology are most sought-after medical and health specialties. In the region, cosmetic, dental, and fertility treatments are equally important. Employers in Abu Dhabi are expected to provide health insurance to their workers and their dependents (three children under the age of 18 and one spouse). A fourth child's healthcare insurance is not provided by the employer and is the employee's liability. Employers in the northern emirates of Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Umm Al-Quwain, unlike in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are not responsible for employee healthcare benefits.

Healthcare facilities in the UAE

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Dubai Healthcare City and Sharjah Healthcare City.

The magnitude of health-care expenses is often dictated by the employee's salary and role.

Is healthcare expensive in the UAE?

The answer is yes. The UAE is renowned for its highly qualified doctors, cutting-edge medical technology, and cutting-edge science. In the UAE, private hospitals have outnumber public hospitals. According to 2018 data, there are 104 hospitals in the city, with 33 public and 71 private facilities. Most people avoid going to a general practitioner and prefer seeing a specialist, as a result, medical expenses also rises.

The UAE health card:

To use the services offered by government-run medical facilities, you must have a UAE health card. The Dubai Health Authority sells the passport, which is valid for one year (DHA). Applications may be submitted online or in person at a medical facility. The health card offers primary healthcare coverage close to that provided by the Emirati government. A health card is required for expats who choose to attend public hospitals and clinics. And if you have private health insurance, you can apply for a health card because private plans may not cover all treatments. One must submit original Passport and original Emirates ID to apply for a health card.

Healthcare insurance plans:

Individuals and families can choose from four different forms of healthcare insurance policies.

An individual package is tailored for a single person or a family looking for comprehensive medical coverage in the United Arab Emirates.

Family package: this plan is affordable and includes discounts for family members.

For policies of more than 20 participants, group programmes provide substantial discounts and other benefits.

Traveller plans: These plans are designed for individuals and groups who travel to the UAE frequently; they provide a high degree of flexibility and can be personalised to suit your travel itinerary.

Guidelines on giving birth in the UAE

To give birth in a hospital in Dubai, expats must present a marriage certificate. In a government hospital, prenatal services are paid.

Following documents are required upon giving birth in the UAE

Original marriage certificate, original passports and copies of both husband and wife, and residency permit and copies of both husband and wife and a valid health card of pregnant mother.

No later than the seventh month of pregnancy, expectant mothers can register with a doctor. Packages starting at Dh2,500 (approximately $680.61) provide 12 visits and regular test costs. Due to the UAE's adherence to Islam, your OB-GYN will most likely be a woman. Unlike many other countries, the UAE allows babies to stay in the same room with their mothers after birth, and many private hospitals often allow partners to stay the night after the birth. Babies must be born in a public or private hospital; home births are not permitted. An Arabic birth certificate is automatically given to babies born in public hospitals. Parents must apply to the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the health authority in their Emirate of residence for a birth certificate for babies born in private hospitals.

It's important to remember that being born in the UAE does not automatically grant you citizenship. If one of the parents is a UAE national, an expatriate child born in the UAE is considered a citizen. Emirati residents have access to free public healthcare and are provided with a generous retirement fund by social welfare.

Sponsoring a parent and documentations required for it

Expats who want to support their parents as dependents must contact a health-insurance provider. If your parent is over 60 and has pre-existing illnesses, the lowest premium is expected to be Dh4,500, which covers hospitalisation, inpatient treatment, rehabilitation facilities, and medicine with an annual cap of Dh150,000.

Your passport and visa copy, Emirates ID copy, a copy of your parent's passport and parent's medical reports.

The application is submitted to the insurance company's medical board for approval until the paperwork is complete. The insurance policy will be released after the approval has been given and payment has been received.

The standard of healthcare services in Abu Dhabi is being transformed and updated. A charitable fund helps underinsured expats and helps to fund more severe medical problems including cancer, dialysis, polytrauma, and disability.

Main objectives for the Health Authority in Abu Dhabi are

Assuring that all patients have access to high-quality care and the ability to select healthcare providers, thus encouraging excellence through free-market competition.

Shift healthcare needs from public to private providers in a secure and productive manner, with the government's position being limited to creating and implementing modern, world-class healthcare standards. Implement a new funding plan.

Healthcare transformation

Dubai's healthcare sector is regulated and operated by the Dubai Health Authority. Retaining a high-calibre workforce, strengthening post-graduate healthcare education programmes, and continuing to invest in primary and specialized healthcare are all priorities for Dubai's healthcare sector. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, founded Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) in 2002. With over 4,000 licenced professionals, DHCC has two hospitals, over 120 outpatient medical centres, and testing laboratories. The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park was developed as part of Dubai's vision for a knowledge-based economy, which was announced in 2010.

Collaborations with US-based institutions

· The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi as a world-class speciality hospital and clinic.

· The Tawam Hospital, which has 469 beds, is managed by the Johns Hopkins Medical School in Abu Dhabi.

· The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has breast cancer education collaboration with the UAE government.

· The collaboration between the Children's National Medical Center and the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi is accredited with lowering infant mortality rates in the UAE.

Development of healthcare services will contribute to:

· Owing to international competition, the quality of healthcare services provided has improved.

· Enhance patient satisfaction and the public's view of healthcare.

· Attracting highly qualified healthcare workers.

· Strengthening the investment climate in healthcare.

· Improved revenue production.

Emirate of Abu Dhabi

The costs of Abu Dhabi residents' healthcare will be shared between employers and workers under a new universal healthcare insurance scheme that started in January 2006. Prior to 2007, the General Authority, which was government-owned, oversaw Health Services' hospital facilities (GAHS). SEHA is responsible for overseeing government-owned healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi. It was restructured in 2007. SEHA currently operates 57 primary healthcare centres, 13 hospitals, three maternal and child health centres, three specialty dental centres, one autism centre, and five specialised facilities such as a rehab, blood bank, and naturopathy centre.

Emirate of Dubai

The Ministry of Health is in charge of both public and private healthcare. Sharjah, Ajman, and the Northern Emirates all have facilities. Al Baraha Hospital and Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital are two hospitals in Dubai. Various regulatory bodies oversee the provision of public healthcare in the UAE:

· Abu Dhabi - The Ministry of Health and Prevention, Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD).

· Dubai - The Dubai Health Authority (DHA).The Emirate Health Authority (EHA).

Medical fitness test

A medical examination is necessary for expats moving to the UAE. Blood test and chest X-ray are used to check for diseases including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, syphilis, and hepatitis B. When renewing a visa, all citizens must agree for a blood test. The cost of a medical fitness test varies depending on how rapidly the results are required.

Infectious diseases

When it comes to infectious diseases like HIV and AIDS, the UAE has a strict approach. Contagious diseases must be reported to the local health authority, and HIV-positive expatriates are deported. Many people who are experiencing symptoms are unable to seek clinical treatment because they are afraid of the consequences. Before testing patients for HIV or Hepatitis B, doctors must obtain special informed consent.

It's important to remember that if STDs aren't handled, they can have long-term effects. Among the problems are sterility and chronic pelvic pain. Untreated STDs can cause problems for newborns, so pregnant women should be alerted.

Covid – 19

The World Health Organization (WHO) praised the UAE for being a global leader in the Covid-19 pandemic by performing the world's highest level of testing per million. The UAE developed a large Covid-19 testing lab in May 2020, where tests were rolled out on symptomatic and asymptomatic cases so that healthcare professionals could find, isolate, examine, and treat any case to prevent infection from spreading.

Stem cell centre breakthrough in Covid-19 treatment

Doctors and researchers at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre developed an aerosol drug that has shown promising results in the treatment of Covid-19. 73 Covid-19 patients who had recovered were given the Aerosol. The Ministry of Economy announced that the centre had been granted a patent to improve the stem cell procedure. The procedure has passed its first stage of clinical trials and has been shown to be effective.

Covid-19 vaccine:

After reporting an 86 % efficacy rate during Phase III clinical trials.The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) announced the official registration of China's Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine on December 9th. The free vaccine was first introduced in Abu Dhabi and has been expanded to include Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The Sinopharm vaccine was tested on 31,000 people in the UAE. Covid-19 vaccine from Sinopharm is available at the following clinics and hospitals:

Abu Dhabi

Clinics run by the Abu Dhabi Healthcare Corporation (SEHA), Al Noor Hospital run by Mediclinic, and hospitals run by VPS Healthcare and NMC Hospital.

VPS Healthcare facilities

· Burjeel Hospital - Al Najdah Street, Abu Dhabi

· Burjeel Medical City - 28th St, Mohamed Bin Zayed City

· Medeor 24×7 Hospital - Al Falah St, Zone 1

· LLH Hospital - Muroor Road Zone 1E3-02, Abu Dhabi

· Burjeel Medical Center - Makani Mall, Al Shamkha

· Burjeel Medical Center - Deerfields Mall, Shahama

· Burjeel Medical Center - Precinct B-01, Al Zeina

· Burjeel Medical Center - Yas Mall

· Burjeel Medical Center - MHPC

· Burjeel Day Surgery Center - Al Reem Island

· Burjeel Oasis Medical Center - Beda Zayed

· Tajmeel Kids Park - Shahama 12 Street, Emirates Park Zoo and Resorts

Musaffah

· Lifecare Hospital - M-24 Musaffah (Near Village Mall)

· Lifecare Hospital - Baniyas

· LLH Hospital - M 7, Al Mussafah

· Occumed Clinic - Musaffah Industrial, Musaffah

Western Region: Burjeel Oasis Medical Center

Al-Ain

· Medeor International Hospital - 'AsharijBida Bin Ammar

· Burjeel Royal Hospital - Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road

· Burjeel Medical Center – Barari.

Dubai

Dubai Parks and Resorts field hospital.

Sharjah

Wasit Medical Centre

Ajman

Al Humaidiya Centre

Umm Al Quwain

Al Bait Metwahid centre

Fujairah

Murashied Medical Centre in Fujairah.

Vaccinations are also provided from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following councils, or majlis

· Al Bateen Council

· Supervisor Board

· Falaj Hazaa Council

· Zayed City Council

Other health issues

Obesity: Nearly 70% of the population of the Emirates is overweight or obese, which is linked to a lack of awareness about how to live a healthier lifestyle.

Diabetes: Diabetes affects over 800,000 people in the United Arab Emirates. This number is expected to increase by around 80%.

Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United Arab Emirates. Colorectal cancer typically affects men over the age of 60, but in the UAE, many men under the age of 40 have been diagnosed with the disease.

Lymphomas: When lymphocytes (white blood cells that help the body battle infection) become uncontrollable, lymphoma grows. They have the potential to break abnormally or refuse to die as they should. The United Arab Emirates has the ninth highest rate in the world.

Heart Disease: In the United Arab Emirates, the average heart disease patient is 45 years old.

Healthcare breakthrough

The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) demonstrated an investigational womb-like system that could minimize mortality and morbidity rates in chronically premature babies, as well as the United States' first-ever approved personalised gene immunotherapy for cancer, in collaboration with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The exhibition was held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the annual Arab Health Exhibition and Congress.

Healthcare innovations

AR technology: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has teamed up with Proximie, a company that digitally transports world-class healthcare professionals anywhere in the world at the click of a button. The approach includes integrating live video streaming with cutting-edge VR devices. Doctors in the UAE who are performing operations can interact with top experts from all over the world.

Concierge medicine: Patients in the UAE who want a higher standard of treatment will turn to concierge medicine for a range of services. Services may involve getting your own "on-call" doctor, telemedicine, and the most cutting-edge diagnostic and wellness services, which are typically not covered by traditional insurance plans. TruDoc 24-7 is a Telemedicine company based in the United Arab Emirates that allows subscribers to connect with a doctor via phone, video, or live chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Specialist referrals, prescriptions, drug deliveries, telemonitoring, access to health specialists, sleep disorder and pregnancy programmes are among the many services available.

Smart health devices: Scanbo is a biotechnology company based in Canada that blends deep learning with activity tracking to capture six vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, pulse pattern, blood sugar, and oxygen) in under two minutes. Data is saved in a mobile app and a history is maintained. This knowledge can be used later by the patient, physicians, or nurses.

Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence (AI) is assisting in the improvement of the UAE healthcare system. These devices can generate data for testing, assisting in the creation of successful health interventions. AR platforms, concierge medicine, and smart health technology are only three examples of future technical developments that will help in the UAE's healthcare transformation.