DUBAI // Service checks and random facility inspections of all Dubai Health Authority hospitals and clinics have been stepped up in a bid to improve the city’s healthcare provision.
As well as the scheduled check-ups and surprise visits, DHA health inspectors have begun carrying out developmental inspections for healthcare facilities in Dubai.
They are aimed at ensuring healthcare facilities are receiving the adequate support and advice needed to improve the quality of healthcare they are delivering, in line with the latest international benchmarks.
Dr Layla Al Marzouqi, director of health regulation and the Dubai Medical Tourism Project, said: “As a part of DHA’s commitment to achieve the highest quality of medical services and to keep up with the comprehensive and integrated developments in the medical field, we decided to implement developmental inspections.
“Post the inspections, we will regularly follow-up with health facilities to ensure they receive support and advice through the implementation stage and the initiative is free-of-cost.
“Healthcare facilities will have a time-frame to adhere to the requirements.”
Dr Al Marzouqi reiterated that annual regular inspections as well as surprise inspections will continue across all DHA facilities.
The inspections move is the latest example of health authorities in the country looking to improve services and patient experience to be in line with international standards.
It follows the Ministry of Health revealing that it has been issuing warnings to doctors about malpractice or negligence following frequent complaints in the Northern Emirates.
Claims of negligence or malpractice against doctors are assessed by a panel of three of his or her peers. A course of action is then recommended by the ministry to assess any claim based on their report, with a verbal or written warning the most common outcome.
Since 2010, five doctors in the Northern Emirates have been blacklisted from working in the UAE or other GCC countries.
nwebster@thenational.ae
