Universal health cover for Dubai Government staff

Health insurance will be provided to Dubai Government employees and their dependents with immediate effect, officials have said.

Government employees, including UAE nationals and expatriate residents, will now have access to a range of healthcare services and facilities for the first time. The announcement follows Abu Dhabi's launch of a health insurance scheme and mandatory screening programme for Emiratis this week .

Secretary-General of the Executive Council Ahmed bin Byat said: "Our staff are our most important asset and their good health is one of our key priorities.

"Therefore, following the introduction of the human resources law, the government has made a promise to provide comprehensive healthcare cover for all its employees as well as their dependents."

As per directions from the Executive Council, the human resources department of each government entity will be responsible for contacting employees soon with complete details of the scheme.

Qadhi Al Murooshid, Director-General of Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said: "Health is at the forefront of the government's agenda. The government's commitment to its staff is in recognition of the fact that health of the nation is central to the growth of Dubai."

The Director-General said the government would soon launch programmes to ensure universal coverage.

"The DHA continues to implement its review of the sector. We are on schedule to make an announcement later this year, including the roll out of one universal scheme to ensure everyone living and working in Dubai has access to high quality and affordable healthcare," said Murooshid.

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