The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to introduce new regulations requiring all healthcare providers to offer at least one form of remote service for their patients. The move is part of the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s (MoHAP) upcoming “Smart Digital Health” framework, which is expected to be launched by the end of this year.
The regulations will apply to both public and private medical facilities, and will require healthcare providers to offer one of the following remote services: prescribing medication, monitoring vital signs, performing surgeries using robotics, or providing basic medical advice. The goal of the framework is to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services in the UAE, while also ensuring medical accountability in the diagnosis, prescription, and telemedicine services.
The announcement was made by Shaikha Hasan Al Mansory, Head of the Strategy and Investment Section at the Digital Health Department of MoHAP, during the Remote Forum in Dubai. According to Gulf News, Al Mansory said that the new laws will establish appropriate guidelines for healthcare practitioners, and ensure that medical accountability is maintained in the delivery of telemedicine services.
The move towards remote healthcare services is part of a broader trend towards digitalization in the UAE’s healthcare sector. In recent years, the country has made significant investments in digital health technologies, including telemedicine and electronic medical records. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of remote healthcare services, as patients seek to minimize their exposure to the virus by avoiding crowded healthcare facilities.
The UAE’s healthcare providers have already made significant progress in offering remote healthcare services, with many offering telemedicine consultations and online prescriptions. However, the new regulations will require all healthcare providers to offer at least one form of remote service, which is expected to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in remote areas.
In addition to improving access to healthcare services, the Smart Digital Health framework is expected to improve the quality of healthcare services in the UAE. By establishing appropriate guidelines for healthcare practitioners, the regulations will help ensure that patients receive accurate diagnoses, appropriate prescriptions, and high-quality care.
The UAE’s move towards remote healthcare services is part of a global trend towards digitalization in the healthcare sector. Many countries around the world have already introduced regulations to promote telemedicine and other remote healthcare services, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend. As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is likely that remote healthcare services will become an increasingly important part of healthcare delivery in the UAE and around the world.
