UAE. The establishment of a federal health insurance authority to
regulate the industry across the United Arab Emirates has moved a step
closer, it was confirmed at Arab Health, which opened in Dubai on 28
January.
Arab Health – taking place until 31 January at the Dubai
International Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcasing the latest
medical breakthroughs and technical developments from over 65 countries
– was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Prime
Minister and Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He visited
several of the stands of the more than 2,200 exhibitors.
Progress on the establishment of a federal health insurance
regulatory body was outlined today by Dr Ajit K. Nagpal, former adviser
to the UAE Ministry of Health and a member of an inter-ministerial
committee on health insurance, taking part in the Health Insurance
Forum, one of the 18 conferences that make up the Arab Health
Conference, the world’s most comprehensive healthcare programme.
Compulsory health insurance for expats and their dependants began in
Abu Dhabi, the federal capital of the UAE, this month and Dubai, the
UAE’s biggest Emirate in population terms, has established a steering
committee with compulsory insurance expected to be introduced this
year. Other Emirates are expected to follow suit.
The introduction of a federal authority to regulate UAE standards in
compulsory health insurance cover and diagnostics have been discussed
for a number of years but current developments have gone further than
previous attempts, Dr Nagpal said. “The proposals are now ready and
they are seeking comments from the various Emirates,” he added. Other
ministries, such as justice, labour and health are also being consulted.
Arab Health, expected to break new records attracting 50,000
visitors from all over the world, was described yesterday by Humaid Al
Qutami, the UAE Minister of Health, as “the greatest science gathering
in the Middle East and the Arab world.” Al Qutami said it was the
second largest healthcare exhibition worldwide.
“Arab Health is a world class medical and healthcare event where the
latest medical technologies are revealed and healthcare achievements
are address,” he added. “I am confident that all the expertise brought
to Arab Health by the health industry and the scientists will benefit
the development of the medical sector and health knowledge which will
eventually serve entire humanity.”
Arab Health is organised by IIR Middle East and is biggest event of
its kind in the region and is at the centre of one of the fastest
growing and most lucrative healthcare markets in the world.
The event is supported by the UAE Ministry of Health, the Health
Authority Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Health Authority. Leading sponsor is
Dubai Healthcare City and the main corporate sponsor is UAE development
company Emaar’s healthcare division.
The multi-track Arab Health Congress – encompassing 18
internationally accredited conferences in specialised areas of
medicine, surgery and healthcare management with over 400
internationally respected speakers and more than 6,000 delegates – is
the world’s largest event of its kind.
The Congress programme included Leaders in Health – sponsored by
Siemens, Dubai Healthcare City, and the Cleveland Clinic – with an
in-depth analysis of global and regional investment opportunities
featuring high levels speakers from the World Bank, the US, Germany,
Saudi Arabia, the UK, Iraq and the UAE.
News 
