Clinics to profit as doors open to visa tests

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Medical fitness tests could prove a new avenue for profit for private clinics. (Getty Images)

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has announced that the private sector will soon be able to apply to conduct medical fitness tests for expatriates, which are mandatory for acquiring a United Arab Emirate's residency visa.

Internationally accredited private healthcare facilities had previously been able to process visa renewals, but since the start of November, the DHA's Licensing and Specification Department has been accepting applications for facilities hoping to issue medical fitness certificates.

The first privately operated fitness tests were expected to go ahead in December, although the start-date now looks likely to be pushed back as details of the scheme are finalised.

"I think it is a process that will not be complete until January because the department of health has certain criteria which they want to be met," said Dr Jamil Ahmed, medical director of Prime Healthcare Group.

The tests are likely to be a healthy source of revenue for approved providers as Dubai is currently processing approximately 800 tests a day.

Industry experts claim the move heralds the beginning of greater collaboration between public and private in Dubai.

"This probably is a result of Dubai Health Authority's policy of involving private sector in the healthcare segment of the Emirate," said Dr Mohanakrishnan, director of planning at Dubai-based consultancy firm Eurohealth Group.

The private sector is integral to future healthcare provision in Dubai, the DHA has said.

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