Dubai will struggle, says survey

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Emergency rooms are understaffed, reports a study of Dubai hospitals.

A survey of health professionals in Dubai has found many believe hospitals will buckle under the administrative toll of compulsory health insurance.

A poll of 100 of the emirate's health professionals found hospitals are "not too enthusiastic about the new law," with 16% warning that facilities will need to be upgraded.

Respondents cautioned that understaffing and a lack of capacity in emergency rooms and specialty wards could "worsen considerably", reported naseba research, the firm that conducted the survey.

Seventy-two respondents estimated that patient numbers would swell from between 10 and 25% in the next 12 months and said that they expect existing patients to visit facilities more frequently.

Increased patient numbers would further compromise the ability of Dubai's medical facilities to provide beds for emergency cases and tertiary care, the survey found. The new law would also increase the already substantial strain on hospitals' staffing requirements.

"Higher capital investments will be required from the hospital's end to improve the infrastructure, in order to accommodate the increased patient in-flow," answered Dr Shanila Laiju, operations manager at Al Rafa Hospital.

All survey respondents agreed that the new law would result in an unprecedented increase in competition within the healthcare industry.

Concerns were also raised that pressure from third-party payers could drive down the overall quality of healthcare provision in Dubai.

"With the new law in place, the insurance companies could take charge of healthcare standards as the insurance package will determine how much is paid for the treatment," warned Ahmed Khouly, CIO, International Modern Hospital.

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