The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has launched the “Doctor for Every Citizen initiative”
The initiative aims to empower DHA’s drive towards the use of latest digital technology to better patient care and enhance efficiencies in the health sector as well as provide patients with added convenience and comfort, as reported in the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The 24/7 telehealth consultation programme is currently available for UAE nationals. For patients registered with the DHA, their complete electronic medical record will be available to the doctor at the time of consultation.
The telehealth consultation is presently available for the family medicine speciality. 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 specialised will be added.
To book a consultation, the patient can download the DHA app or the patient can call the DHA and book an appointment. The doctor and patient have an option of video calling or the patient can opt for a voice call only.
The telehealth consultation includes initial diagnosis, the patient can be referred to specialised centres and post the consultation, doctors can provide an e-prescription for certain conditions; they can even request for lab tests which will be registered online through the electronic patient medical record system for DHA patients for added convenience. The telehealth consultation does not include any emergency care.
Humaid Al Qutami, director-general of the Dubai Health Authority, said that the Authority has mobilised all its efforts and capabilities to achieve an integrated health system and through telemedicine, the authority will provide immediate consultations around the clock, in accordance with the highest standards. He noted that e DHA has recently signed a number of MoUs with key private health sector entities in the UAE that were keen on taking part in this initiative.
Marwan Al Mulla, CEO of Health Regulation Sector and team leader of the Doctor for Every Citizen initiative, said the initiative further enhances DHA’s goals to strive towards the use of digital technology in healthcare to empower both health professionals and patients. He said the initiative also reflects the deep commitment towards collaboration between the public and private health sector in the Emirate with a common goal of striving towards excellence in care and enhancing the quality of life and happiness.
