DHA to start process for issuing new licenses to all healthcare professionals in Dubai

The Grandfathering process forms the first part of the first phase of the new regulations being introduced by the DHA to ensure that all physicians in the Emirate of Dubai meet the new criteria for obtaining a new license.

This will eventually be extended to include new licenses for all healthcare facilities in Dubai as well.

Dr Essa Kazim, the Director responsible for the health regulation programme at the DHA said:

"This is the start of a phased transition programme. The new licensing requirements have been designed to ensure a coordinated approach to the licensing system in Dubai to help drive high standards of quality care as the population continues to grow. DHA health regulation will be establishing a centre at the Al Murooj Rotana hotel from 16th January, where all physicians in Dubai can come to collect their application details. Every physician must have collected these details by 30thJanuary."

The license of those physicians who meet the new criteria will be automatically upgraded to a full license which will be renewable after two years. Physicians who do not meet the criteria will be 'Grandfathered'.

This means that their right to practice will be recognised but they will only be given a provisional license covering a specified grace period.

They will be asked to enter into a contract with the DHA health regulation specifying that they will seek to achieve the required criteria and/or undertake specified further training that is intended to be available locally.

Those physicians who do not meet the criteria during the term of the grace period will have their license suspended or not renewed.

In coordination with the ten existing bodies currently responsible for regulating healthcare within Dubai, the DHA is seeking to deliver one single new integrated licensing system for the whole of Dubai.

It will be the sole issuer of all licenses for all health professionals and facilities in Dubai.

DHA health regulation's objective is to drive the quality of healthcare in Dubai, ensuring excellence and distinction which is recognised around the world.

Better quality healthcare will also generate greater consumer confidence in the healthcare system in Dubai.

Consequently it will manage all regulatory functions within the medical and health sector in Dubai.