Health insurance consultation programme receives positive support

Following a general, introductory briefing to over 50 insurance industry professionals on 10th July, the HIC's Insurance Taskforce has conducted a further 38 one on one meetings with a range of Dubai, Emirati and international insurance, re-insurance and broking companies.

The meetings have provided an opportunity for the industry to discuss the Dubai Government's proposals to introduce comprehensive new health insurance arrangements in the Emirate in 2008.

Insurance companies are being asked to assist the government by completing a questionnaire clarifying a range of issues about the industry and best practice within it.

Major international healthcare businesses such as BUPA, MedNet, Swiss Re and InterGlobal have already responded as well as a number of prominent regional insurers such as Arab Orient, Emirates Insurance, Al Khazna and Daman.

The Taskforce hopes to conclude interviewing all major insurance businesses operating within the local market by the end of August and will report back to the HIC on its findings in September.

Alongside the insurance programme, the HIC's Healthcare Taskforce has also been undertaking a parallel audit of both public and private healthcare provision across the Emirate to ascertain what services and facilities are currently available and the costs associated with them. It will also report back to the HIC on its findings in September.

In the meantime a senior HIC delegation has also visited a number of other best practice countries such as Singapore, California and the East Coast of the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom to learn from their various and diverse approaches to healthcare provision. Additionally the HIC is establishing a comprehensive Think Tank of industry specialists and professionals who will advise it as the process moves forward.

Once the findings of each Taskforce has been assessed, the HIC will make a final recommendation to the Executive Council on the best health insurance framework suited to Dubai in terms of existing provision, demand for services as well as the future growth and aspirations of Dubai moving forward.

The government's commitment to introducing a comprehensive health insurance programme follows the publication of the Dubai Strategic Plan (DSP) within which His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum clearly identifies social development as one of five key areas which Dubai must address if it is to ensure prosperity and sustainable growth.

Commenting on the process, His Excellency Mr Ahmed bin Byat, Secretary General of the Dubai Executive Council, said: "A sustainable economy must strike a balance between growth, social provision and corporate responsibility. We are committed to introducing the best health insurance model that suits Dubai both now and in the future to the benefit of all UAE nationals, residents and visitors. This consultation programme is crucial in order for us to understand existing demand and provision. We are talking to all the experts and professionals to ascertain what is best for all UAE nationals and everyone else who lives and works here."

His Excellency Mr Qadi Saeed Al Muroshad, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority said: "Health is at the forefront of the government's agenda. In addition to the reorganisation of the Department of Health and Medical Science (DOHMS) and the creation of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the proposed new health insurance arrangements will help promote better access to better facilities and a healthier, more productive society.'