UAE citizens will get free access to consultations from doctors 24/7 from the comfort of their own homes in Dubai.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) launched a unique initiative ‘Doctor for Every Citizen’ in Dubai.

Unveiling the initiative, Humaid Al Qutami, Director-General of DHA and Chairman of the board of directors, said: “This initiative seeks to fulfill the promise protected in Article 5 of the 50-year directive issued by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative will drive Dubai’s health care systems to be compared with international best systems around the globe.”

Over 50 doctors from public and private sector hospitals have been trained to offer online consultations during Phase I of the initiative. This move marks a new era in integrated health care delivery systems using smart digital technology such as electronic medical records, telemedicine, and e-services such as e-prescriptions and home delivery pharmacy services.

“The telehealth consultation program is currently available to UAE nationals. For patients registered with DHA, their complete electronic medical record will be available to the doctor at the time of consultation. The telehealth consultation is currently available with General Physicians (GPs) and specialists from family medicine.

In the first phase, it will include consultation for diabetes, allergies, hypertension, and dermatological issues as these are the most common health concerns. In the future, services that are more specialized will be added.

A training center has been set up at the Rashid Hospital Trauma Care Centre to specially train all participating doctors in the nuances of telemedicine. In the private sector, Al Zahra Hospital, Medicare and King’s College Hospital of London in Dubai have signed an MOU with DHA to provide trained doctors for the service.

The service will be extended to expatriates and more doctors will be available in Phase 2. The initiative will develop international doctors for consultation globally, said Dr. Marwan Al Mulla, Director of DHA Regulations.