Dubai is set to enhance its healthcare landscape with the upcoming opening of four new primary health care centers in early 2019, expanding the network to 18 centers. This initiative is part of the Dubai Health Strategy 2021, aiming to improve accessibility and disease prevention. Additionally, a new public health law, effective from late July 2025, will introduce updated regulations for medical examinations related to work, residency, and driving licenses, alongside a strengthened focus on family health, adolescent well-being, and elderly care.
Expansion of Primary Health Care Services
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is strategically opening four new Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) in Al Ghusais, Umm Suqeim, Abu Hail, and Al Habab. These centers will bolster the existing network, bringing the total to 18, with further expansion planned until 2021. PHCs serve as the first point of contact for healthcare, offering a comprehensive range of services including medical screenings for residency visas, family clinics, antenatal and postnatal care, pediatrics, dental services, and more. These facilities are crucial for disease prevention and public health initiatives, with a target ratio of one center per 30,000 individuals, ensuring geographical accessibility based on population density.
Key Takeaways:
- Four new primary health care centers to open in Dubai in early 2019.
- These centers will increase the total number of PHCs to 18.
- The expansion aligns with the Dubai Health Strategy 2021.
- PHCs offer a wide array of services, acting as the first point of contact for residents.
New Public Health Law and Regulations
A significant development is the implementation of the new Dubai Health Law, effective from late July 2025. This law introduces updated regulations for medical examinations required for employment, residency applications, and driving licenses. It also emphasizes the protection of physical and mental health for young people, provides comprehensive healthcare for the elderly, and supports awareness campaigns against substance abuse. The DHA is assigned 14 key responsibilities under this law, including setting standards for healthy lifestyles, vaccinations, and medical screenings, as well as promoting research and safeguarding patient rights.
Family Health and Preventive Care
The new legislation places a strong emphasis on family health, with the DHA tasked with developing programs for maternal health, family planning, and child immunization. It also mandates premarital screening programs to prevent hereditary diseases and promotes preventive health practices within households. The law aims to mitigate health risks, enhance public health awareness, and foster a sense of collective responsibility for health, ultimately making Dubai a more attractive place to live and work. Penalties for violations of the law range from Dh500 to Dh1,000,000.
Ambulance Service Fee Adjustments
In related news, a resolution issued in November 2018 regulated the fees for services provided by the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS). While traffic accident cases follow different fee structures, the resolution outlines fees for basic and advanced ambulance services on-site, ranging from Dh600 to Dh1,200. The resolution also clarifies that patients are not liable for any co-payments for emergency services, with fees being collected from insurance companies where applicable. DCAS is obligated to provide services to uninsured individuals as well.