Half of the regulatory authorities that license hospitals, clinics and healthcare professionals in Dubai have no clear procedures for inspecting facilities and handling clinical complaints, it has emerged.
The revelation came in the wake of a plan to establish a single regulatory body to replace the existing 10 licensing bodies, which was announced by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) last month.
Commenting on the move, Dr Mohammed Oussama, a member of the DHA regulation team, said half of the existing the authorities did not have “clear” inspection protocols, while six of the 10 agencies could not resolve clinical complaints requiring investigation by health professionals.
This is despite the fact that both functions are part of a regulator’s responsibility, along with licensing and quality control, he said.
“Almost 50% of the authorities lack a clear inspection process and procedures, and others do inspections, but they are not structured. Less than 50% have a complaints system for clinical complaints. “Others may have a complaints system but not for clinical complaints,” he said.
Dr Oussama declined to name the failing authorities but said the Department of Health and Medical Services, the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the free zones of Dubiotech and Dubai Healthcare City had clear procedures for inspection in place.
Other authorities include the Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police and “elements'”within the private sector, a DHA press release said.
The planned new regulatory system will draw up a set of strict standards on licensing, inspection, quality, audit, complaints and enforcement that will be ready this year.
All healthcare providers and professionals will have to meet the and adhere to the standards to work in the emirate.
Adhere to on-going inspections and quality control, on issues such as infection control and continuing medical education, the DHA said.
Dr Chris Canning chief executive and medical director at Moorfields Eye Hospital in DHCC, who has to have three different licenses to work in different healthcare facilities, welcomed the move.
‘I do object to having to have it three times and three different authorities. The one license is welcome as (at present) it is a big expense and a hassle, and CME should be set to the same standard for everyone.
The highest standards of licensing and the most expensive for doctors are the ones needed work are in the free-zones of DHCC and Dubaiotech, which cost up to 8,000 AED (2,000 USD) each. Licenses issued by DoHMS cost 2,700 AED (750 USD) every two years.
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