Periodic medical examination 'Weqaya' and health insurance scheme 'Thiqa' for nationals

- The Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HA-AD) commences the execution of the scheme and stresses its importance in realizing a healthy environment for everyone in the Emirate
- Collaboration with the National Health Insurance Company 'Daman' and the Abu Dhabi Company for Health Services 'Seha' to implement the Periodic Health Examination "Weqaya" and the Health Insurance Scheme "Thiqa" for Nationals

This announcement was made Monday at a press conference held by HA-AD in Abu Dhabi with representatives from Daman and Seha attending, where His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Mubarak Al Mazroui, Chairman of HA-AD announced the mandatory Periodic Medical Examination "Weqaya" and Health Insurance Scheme "Thiqa" for National of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and those of similar status.

The National Health Insurance Company - Daman is assigned as a Third Party Administrator (TPA) company through its new Thiqa programme, where it will be the exclusive company providing benefits to Nationals and those included in the scheme.

According to this scheme, all Nationals should visit Seha's primary healthcare facilities to undergo a free-of-charge Periodic Medical Examination by qualified nurses before registering for a Thiqa Card. The medical examination consists of measuring height, weight, blood pressure, as well as blood testing for diabetes, high cholesterol, and other diseases.

During his speech, His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Al Mazrouie, Chairman of HA-AD, commented that the early stages of implementing the new Health Insurance Scheme for Nationals are running smoothly thanks to the cooperation with the involved parties. He added that Seha has already started performing the medical examinations one some UAE Nationals at its dedicated healthcare facilities before the issuance of "Thiqa" Card. The examinations will aid HA-AD in statistically defining the most common diseases affecting UAE Nationals today.

He also commended the new Scheme and the work carried by the government to improve the Emirate's health services standards. In a short period of time, Abu Dhabi has attracted international hospitals to manage public healthcare facilities and has applied internationally-acclaimed standards, making Abu Dhabi a regional medical hub.

Dr. Al Mazrouie commended the Scheme that he regards as a National necessity, as it grants Nationals broader coverage and includes more health services. Dr. Al Mazrouie thanked all the parties and persons involved in the Scheme which was mandated according to the directions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, President of the UAE, and the guidance of the Crown Prince His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Dr. Al Mazrouie stated that the Health Insurance Scheme applied for Expatriates over the last two years was a huge step forwards and has elevated the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to the highest ranks of the international health standards

Dr. Michael Bitzer, CEO of Daman stated, "Daman is fully prepared to launch its Thiqa Program and to commence enrolling Nationals in the new Health Insurance Scheme. We have employed the finest resources to manage Thiqa, which will be replacing the existing Health Card system for Nationals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."

Mr. Carl Stevens, CEO of Seha, stated that Seha has already begun receiving Nationals in its primary healthcare facilities to undergo the medical examination.

Also worth mentioning, HA-AD in collaboration with Daman and Seha, has set up a system, procedures, and policies to fully implement the Scheme's regulations.