Healthcare

The latest medical, medicare and medical insurance news from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors in the Middle East

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UAE tobacco control law in works
The federal tobacco control law in the UAE is expected to be implemented by the end of the year once the Federal National Council holds deliberations on various aspects of the legislation that have been delayed by the summer holidays and Ramadan, reported Gulf News. The draft law has seen several delays since the Ministry of Health announced its intention to pass a tobacco control law for the UAE in keeping with the country's commitment to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention of Tobacco Control. Officials had initially expected the law to come out at the end of 2006.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, September 21 - 2008 at 09:52

Suntan risks skin cancer
According to researchers in the US and UK, any tan is risky, whether from sunshine or a sunbed, as evidence showed tanning and cancer both start with DNA damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays, Gulf News has reported. According to Dr Priyadarshan of Al Rafa Clinic in Jebel Ali, people who are melanin deficient are more prone to skin cancer as are people with white skin.
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, September 20 - 2008 at 13:06

New Saudi law aims to curb smoking
A new law to eliminate smoking in public and workplaces in Saudi Arabia has been drafted and is awaiting Cabinet approval, reported Arab News. The law would impose a fine of SR200 ($53) for smoking in public places. Suleiman Al-Sabi, secretary-general of the Charitable Society to Combat Smoking, urged those affected by smokers at work and public places to take legal action against them, demanding compensation.
Saudi Arabia: Thursday, September 18 - 2008 at 08:47 |

DHA gains new responsibilities
The Dubai Health Authority, the Government's new strategic health organisation, has taken over responsibility for all strategic health planning for Dubai and the collection of all government health statistics, a role previously undertaken by the Department of Health and Medical Services. This will include the patient registration details required for the DHADHA's new health funding system as well as all strategic data collection required by the Government to undertake and implement its ongoing health strategy and forward health planning commitments. It will not include any patient's clinical information which was previously collected by DoHMS, according to a press statement.
United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, September 17 - 2008 at 09:48 |

Number of UAE smokers rising
A new study by the World Health Organisation study has found that smoking is on the rise in the UAE, especially among men. The WHO report says 24% of males aged between 13 and 15, and as many as 42% of males aged 17, are currently smoking tobacco. Aditionally, 20% of the UAE's total male population are smokers, while nearly 3% of adult females are smokers. The study warns that smokers are not taking the risk of heart and lung disease seriously enough.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, September 16 - 2008 at 08:54 |

Abraaj JV aims to boost healthcare in Turkey
Dubai-based Abraaj Capital has entered into a strategic partnership with Capital Investment, a leading private institutional investment house based in Abu Dhabi which is aimed at supporting the domestic growth and international expansion of Acibadem Healthcare Services, Turkey's leading healthcare provider, which is one of Abraaj Capital's portfolio companies. The new partnership seeks to accelerate the development of the healthcare group and facilitate the long-term expansion of its healthcare services in the Menasa region (Middle East, North Africa South Asia region), where the existing supply of high-quality medical services is generally insufficient, according to a press statement.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, September 15 - 2008 at 09:40 |

UAE plans universal health coverage
The UAE is planning a new national health care scheme under which every resident - regardless of nationality and income - would be provided basic health care on a par with top global standards at institutions of their choosing, reported Gulf News. Contributions from employers and individual subscribers would pay for treatment under the scheme. Insurance coverage would be compulsory under the plan.
United Arab Emirates: Sunday, September 14 - 2008 at 09:29 |

Saudi to recruit Egyptian doctors
Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry has said it will soon recruit 1,000 Egyptian doctors to overcome shortage of doctors at its hospitals and primary health care centers, Arab News has reported. The recruitment is in line with its family health care program, that would include establishment of 195 family health care centers in different regions.
Saudi Arabia: Saturday, September 13 - 2008 at 11:17 |