Dubai City Authority implements new health insurance law

In line with directives of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Healthcare City Authority yesterday released details of the health insurance law within Dubai Healthcare City, the world's largest healthcare free zone.

In June, workshops were conducted on the new Resolution No.8 of 2015 of the health insurance law, and its impact on existing and new healthcare facilities in Dubai Healthcare City. The workshops were attended by more than 100 representatives from healthcare facilities and medical insurance companies.

Dubai Healthcare City Authority is solely authorised to register healthcare facilities, to approve prices for healthcare services and to monitor approved prices, among other responsibilities.

"Strengthening regulations is paramount as Dubai Healthcare City rolls out expansion plans and welcomes new business partners," said Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of Dubai Healthcare City Authority. "Medical insurance providers are an important stakeholder in healthcare delivery. The new Resolution will allow closer dialogue between insurance providers and DHCC-based healthcare facilities to increase patient benefits and improve health outcomes."

The authority's long-term goal is to facilitate maximum healthcare services under medical insurance cover and networks. Additional workshops are planned to formulate a pricing model as per best practices.

"The Resolution does not affect registered healthcare facilities and registered insurance providers in DHCC. These facilities and providers will continue to follow the pricing model in place at the time of registration and/or renewal," said Dr. Ramadan AlBlooshi, Managing Director, Dubai Healthcare City Authority, Regulatory.

"The Resolution will have a direct impact on new clinical facilities, and on complaints management and handling," Dr. AlBlooshi explained, "Prior to the Resolution, complaints against insurance companies were not in our purview. The authority will handle complaints by three parties: patient, hospital/clinic and insurance providers, and will then enforce violations."