Healthcare

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

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ME aims to be self-sufficient in drug production
The Middle East's effort towards becoming self-sufficient in pharmaceutical production came under the spotlight this week at the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Middle East exhibition in Dubai. The combined pharmaceutical markets of the Arabian Gulf, North Africa, Levant and Iran is estimated to be valued at over $12bn and growing at an annual rate of 10%, organizers said. 'The Middle East wants to be not only self sufficient in pharmaceutical production but to also have a larger share of export, research and contract manufacturing,' said Simon Page, Group Director of Life Sciences for organisers IIR Middle East. There are already over 450 pharmaceutical manufacturers in the region.
Wednesday, April 30 - 2008 at 08:59

Dubai ups inspections of food transport vehicles
Dubai Municipality's Food Control Department has stepped up inspection of vehicles carrying food items in the emirate as part of a food safety campaign in which the vehicles were identified using coloured stickers depending on the types of food stuff they can carry. Last year, food traders and suppliers were given a six month grace period to modify their existing fleet in line with a new set of technical specifications pertaining to vehicles transporting various food items. Since January 2008, some 3078 vehicles have been registered under the new system, according to a statement.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, April 29 - 2008 at 11:35

New health insurance scheme for UAE nationals
The Abu Dhabi Health Authority has announced that all UAE nationals are eligible for free health insurance that will cover their expenses at both public and private healthcare centres across the country and emergency treatment abroad, reported Khaleej Times. The new health insurance scheme will include mandatory periodic medical examination and a comprehensive health insurance. It would be executed by HAAD and the National Health Insurance Company in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company.
United Arab Emirates: Tuesday, April 29 - 2008 at 08:55

New hospitals to open in Saudi
The Saudi Ministry of health will increase the number of hospitals across the kingdom in the coming four years. The target will see the available facilities expand from running at the equivalent of 0.5 beds per 1,000 residents at present, to 3 beds per 1,000 residents. 46 new hospitals are currently under construction, with 11 set to open next year.
Qatar: Monday, April 28 - 2008 at 12:40

Insurance overhaul imminent
The Dubai Health Authority has confirmed that there will soon be comprehensive access to healthcare within the emirate, The National has reported. An announcement is expected to confirm shortly that employers or sponsors will have to provide mandatory insurance. Estimates put the total cost to employers at $400m.
United Arab Emirates: Monday, April 28 - 2008 at 08:13

UN ups malaria fight
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has marked the first World Malaria Day by calling on agencies to eliminate malaria deaths by 2010. Over 500m are affected by the preventable disease globally, resulting in 1m deaths annually.
Middle East: Sunday, April 27 - 2008 at 10:30

German neurology at DHCC
The German Center for Neurology and Psychiatry announced its facilities have opened in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). The centre is open six days a week, offering technology used to diagnose and treat neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, as well as strokes. The center will also offer EEG technology used to test for brain diseases such as headaches, tumours or epilepsy.
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, April 26 - 2008 at 10:11

5-year plan for food safety
The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority has developed a five-year plan to ensure the public health and safety of food in the emirate, reported Khaleej Times. The authority has developed draft legislation that covers eight areas, including hygiene, food sampling, product recalls, and health certification. The public may submit comments on the draft rules, which are available on ADFCA's website.
United Arab Emirates: Thursday, April 24 - 2008 at 07:55