Medicine in the UAE

The level of medical services is something the UAE can be truly proud of. The country's government is actively developing the medical infrastructure and implementing various programs to attract specialists from around the world. Many foreigners choose clinics in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for their treatment and recovery. The main areas of medical tourism in the Emirates are gynecology, dentistry, orthopedics and dermatology.

The level of medicine in the UAE then and now

It's hard to believe, but sixty years ago in the United Arab Emirates, instead of expensive clinics and hospitals, there were mud houses with thatched roofs. There was no talk of advanced medicine back then. The average life expectancy of the local population was just over 37 years, and the number of qualified specialists could be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Everything changed dramatically with the proclamation of Zayed Al Nahyan as ruler of the country in 1966. Since then, hospitals, clinics and dispensaries as well equipped and staffed as the best medical facilities in the world have sprung up like mushrooms after rain.

Today, the Emirates is the most important international center for medical tourism, offering first-class services and unique treatment programs in the field of traditional and alternative medicine. Thanks to government support and a clear vision of development strategy, the country continues to attract the attention of the world community with its achievements in the field of medicine and healthcare.

How is the healthcare system organized in the UAE?

The UAE Ministry of Health is the main regulatory body that controls the quality of medical services and develops and implements strategies for the development of the industry. Both public and private healthcare institutions operate with equal success in the country, of which there will be approximately 160 by 2020.

It should be noted that the Emirates has the largest number of JCI-certified medical institutions in the world. The Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare International (JCI) is one of the most prestigious organizations in the world, whose certificate confirms the compliance of medical institutions with high standards of quality and safety.

Most of the clinics in the UAE are located in the major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Some of the most famous ones are:

• King's College Hospital London.
• NMC Royal Hospital.
• Al Qassimi Hospital.
• Saudi German Hospital.
• Canadian Specialist Hospital.
• Millenium Medical Center IVF.

Cost of treatment in the Emirates

One of the main advantages of treatment in the UAE is the availability of high quality services at relatively low prices. For example, the cost of surgery in the Emirates can be several times less than in Western countries, while maintaining the highest standards of care. For example, for a heart valve replacement, a patient in the UAE will pay about $20,000, while in the U.S. - $170,000.

The cost of medical services varies depending on the clinic and the level of comfort it offers. Prices in public institutions are much lower than in private ones.

Expatriate Medical Care in the UAE

Medical care in the UAE for expatriates is based on the following principles:

1. In some emirates, a foreigner is required to have medical insurance. Failure to do so is punishable by heavy fines or revocation of the resident visa.
2. Employers are responsible for arranging health insurance for their employees.
3. The amount of coverage depends on the cost of the policy.
4. Emergency medical care is free for expatriates in the UAE.
5. The minimum annual medical insurance in Dubai is US$150. It is available to non-working residents and those who earn less than Dh1090 per month.
6. It is necessary to make an appointment with a doctor in the UAE online.

Advantages of medicine in the UAE

Medical care in the UAE is equally top-notch in both private and public facilities that provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive care for children and adults. Many medical centers are closely linked to the U.S. healthcare system and use international protocols in their work. At the same time, the cost of treatment in the Emirates is much lower than in the United States. Other advantages of UAE medicine include:

1. Modern clinics with innovative equipment and qualified staff. The government is investing huge sums in healthcare in the UAE to improve the quality of life of the population and its lifespan. Online medicine and artificial intelligence are being implemented everywhere. The country has a "Golden Visa" program that automatically grants resident visas to foreign doctors when they are employed in a clinic.
2. Comfortable accommodation in medical facilities. The UAE is a country known for its hospitality. This is reflected in the facilities of clinics and hospitals. The interiors of the facilities resemble comfortable hotels rather than wards. As a result, people come to the Emirates not only for treatment, but also for prevention.
3. Free medical services for UAE citizens.Citizens of the country have the right to receive medical care either completely free of charge or with a large discount. In this case, the treatment includes providing the patient with all prescribed medicines, as well as consultation and surgical intervention services.
4. Medical cities.There are 4 medical cities in the major centers (Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah). These are large areas where clinics, medical centers, polyclinics, spas and hotels are located within close proximity to each other. This is done for the convenience of the patient, as everything they need for treatment and recovery is "at their fingertips".
5. Multicultural environment. The UAE employs doctors and specialists from various countries, creating a multinational and culturally diverse environment in the medical industry. Most doctors are fluent in English, allowing patients to communicate comfortably with staff.

What is a health card?

In the UAE, foreigners are treated in private clinics. In order to gain access to government medical centers, they need to obtain a health card in addition to the mandatory medical insurance. It is issued for 1 year and must be renewed annually.

The Health Card entitles UAE residents to receive medical care at preferential rates. It costs US$ 136 per year.

Pharmacy Network in the UAE

The country has a well-organized pharmacy network. Wherever you live, you will always have access to several pharmacies. If you know the active ingredient of the medicine you need, you can easily find its Arabic equivalent. Some medications, such as antidepressants, sleeping pills, and antibiotics, are available only by prescription.

What medications are prohibited in the UAE?

Many medicines that are readily available in pharmacies in other countries are not allowed in the UAE.

If you take medication on a regular basis, you will need a prescription stamped by a polyclinic to bring it into the country. The amount of medication should not exceed the duration of your stay in the UAE.

The list of medicines that are not allowed to be brought into the country, even if you have a prescription for them, is available on the website of the UAE Ministry of Health.

Calling a doctor in the UAE

You can call a doctor from anywhere in the country by dialing 998. If you need emergency treatment, it will be provided free of charge. Once the acute condition has been treated, you will be transferred to the clinic specified in your insurance policy.

If you need the help of a specialist, you must first see a general practitioner who will make the necessary referral.

The UAE medical system is a model of quality healthcare that continues to evolve and attract the attention of both local and international patients.

Moving to the UAE with StableGrowz

StableGrowz is the №1 Emirates relocation consultant. We will help you obtain a UAE Resident Visa and do everything possible to make the emigration process as quick and comfortable as possible.

Contacts

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Barsha Heights, I-Rise Tower, 29th Floor, Office 5