ABU DHABI — The Ministry of Health is planning a new health insurance system that will electronically link government and private hospitals across the country, Health Minister Humaid Obaid Al Quttami said.
“The new system will deliver timely health services to all in the UAE,’’ the minister told a Federal National Council session on Tuesday.
The minister was replying to a question raised by FNC member Mitha Gadheer who asked him to explain the reasons behind turning down health card holders who frequent various government hospitals and clinics in the country without referral from a hospital of that emirate or city.
She said that this procedure is long and lead to further deterioration of the health condition of the patient.
“The Ministry is accelerating implementation of the e-file system for all patients to ensure smooth referral among hospitals,” he said, noting that health card holders can receive treatment in hospitals not under the authority of the ministry in urgent cases.
As for referral to federal to local hospitals, the minister explained it is only possible in case of rare specializations and depends on availability of beds.
The ministry has recently introduced an e-system that allows doctors to view files of patients at any hospital or health center under the ministry.
Responding to a question on a shortage of national health professionals, member Salim Al Naqabi asked the minister about measures taken with respect to 1,525 new jobs allocated in the 2008 budget.
The minister said 1,766 positions were secured at different hospitals and departments. “More jobs will be offered after the opening of new health centres,” he added.
Within the next two weeks, he said the ministry would settle the status of 700 employees, the largest process of correction of status and elevation.