Over 3000 physicians secure new DHA license registration details

Over 3000 Dubai based physicians have now completed the first stage of the new licensing programme by registering with the DHA and picking up their new online license application details.

Phase 1 of the DHA health regulation programme requires all physicians working for the Department of Health and Medical Services (DoHMS), all physicians working in the private sector and those currently employed by Dubai Police and Municipality to apply for a new license to practise in Dubai. Consequently the DHA health regulation team hosted a registration process at the Al Murooj Rotana from 16th to 30th January as well as on-site registration sessions at a number of large public and private sector hospitals.

The physicians who attended these events, and who received their registration information, will now be able to access the new DHA online license application process.

The online application form went live on 01 February. Registered physicians can now submit all the relevant details required for them to be issued with a new license. So far over 100 are logging on daily to complete this process. The deadline for all submissions is the end of March 2009.

After the registration of physicians, the DHA will begin the process of registering every health professional in the emirate of Dubai. To assist physicians the DHA is hosting a series of seminars to provide further guidance on the online application process and an update on the DHA health regulation programme.

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

"The DHA has been entrusted to raise the quality of healthcare services and facilities across the health sector in Dubai including the public and private sectors. There are currently multiple licensing authorities in the Emirate."

He added: "As part of the grandfathering process - the terms used to define the new licensing arrangements - DHA health regulation will help ensure that those not meeting the new standards have access to the relevant training that they need. Physicians are an important part of the future growth of the healthcare sector in Dubai. However we must also ensure that everyone is working to the best possible standards as the DHA looks to provide better access to good quality, affordable healthcare."

Those physicians who notified the DHA that they were unable to attend any of the registration events are invited to attend the seminars at which they can collect their user name and password details. Anyone who does not secure a DHA license will not be able to practice in the Emirate of Dubai once their current license expires.

As part of the new application process, DHA health regulation has clarified that physicians currently submitting applications under the grandfather programme will not undergo assessment or examination. All submitted Physician applications will go through a process of credentialing and primary source verification (PSV) against the DHA health regulation licensing criteria for physicians.

As new license process will take several months for DHA health regulation to complete all of its operational requirements, if you are working in the private sector you are requested to maintain your Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS) Licensure until you receive your new definitive DHA health regulation license.

Mr Kazim concludes:

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has taken the time to register with the DHA. We appreciate your time and your patience. This is an important process, helping to ensure that the quality of healthcare in Dubai meets the needs of the people of Dubai both now and in the future."

The DHA health regulation seminars will take place on 1st March (for the private sector) and 2nd March (for the public sector) at Rashid Medical Library Auditorium from 12 until 1pm.