Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Sets New Standards For Dubai Healthcare With Latest Resolution

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has issued Executive Council Resolution No. (49) of 2024. This resolution regulates healthcare activities and professions in Dubai. It applies to all establishments providing healthcare services in the emirate, including those in special development zones, free zones, and the Dubai International Financial Centre.

The resolution mandates that healthcare facilities or professionals cannot operate in Dubai without a permit from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Facilities are prohibited from employing unlicensed professionals or visiting doctors. Both professionals and facilities must obtain prior approval from the DHA before engaging in any healthcare activities.

The DHA is responsible for regulating, licensing, and overseeing healthcare providers in Dubai. This includes developing healthcare policies and standards, processing applications for service providers and professionals, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The authority also investigates complaints against healthcare professionals and can impose penalties or conduct clinical audits.

According to the resolution, the DHA's responsibilities extend to monitoring the quality of health data handled through digital systems. They maintain a database of healthcare professionals and facilities and coordinate with federal and local entities on healthcare matters in Dubai. The DHA also implements decisions made by the Medical Responsibility Committee.

The resolution outlines conditions and procedures for licensing healthcare facilities and professionals. Licences are valid for one year but can be renewed subject to conditions set by the DHA. Healthcare facilities and professionals cannot transfer their licences without prior approval from the DHA, under conditions set by the Director General.

Penalties and Investigations

The Director General of the DHA and the Medical Practice Committee have the authority to close a healthcare facility fully or partially for up to three months pending an investigation into alleged violations by the facility or its staff. They can also suspend a professional for up to three months, extendable during an investigation of alleged violations.

This new resolution replaces Resolution No. (32) of 2012 concerning medical profession regulation in Dubai. It annuls any other legislation that contradicts it. Existing decisions under Resolution No. (32) of 2012 remain effective unless they conflict with Resolution No. (49) of 2024 until new ones are issued.

Ensuring Compliance

The DHA is tasked with ensuring compliance with regulations through various means such as clinical audits and referrals to relevant committees like the Medical Practice Committee. They process patient complaints efficiently, ensuring they are referred for further action when necessary.

The resolution aims to establish a comprehensive, high-quality healthcare system in Dubai by regulating professions and activities within this sector. It seeks to promote operational efficiency, service quality, transparency, fairness, legal accountability while protecting the community from unethical practices.

Resolution No. (49) of 2024 will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into effect 60 days from its issuance date.

With inputs from WAM