Updated heath regulations set for Dubai private schools

Dubai raises bar in sweeping review of clinical standards.

DUBAI // The Dubai Health Authority has set new health regulations for private school clinics in the emirate.

The rules apply to 163 private schools, including private schools in free zones, the DHA said on Wednesday.

The updated regulations are more comprehensive and cover issues such as clinic design, staffing and emergency care, said Dr Layla Al Marzouqi, acting director of the authority’s health regulation department.

“Through the development, establishment and enforcement of minimum required criteria for school clinic services, our aim is to ensure that students in Dubai have access to high-quality health care,” she said.

The rules also set the maximum number of pupils for which each clinic can cater, and regulate licensing requirements, pupils’ right to confidentiality and privacy, and maintenance of their records.

They will ensure that school records for children with allergies and drug reactions are clearly highlighted.

The rules also specify how to deal with emergencies, the DHA said.

Clinics should be equipped to carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other emergency procedures.

All schools in Dubai must keep pupils’ health records for five years after they turn 18, or for five years after a pupil leaves school, said Dr Al Marzouqi.

Dubai’s schools have 166 doctors and 344 nurses, the authority said.

The moves follow the December launch of a health initiative by the UN Children’s Fund in partnership with du, the Dubai-based telecommunications company.

A pilot version of the project sought to improve health education for pupils in 18 government secondary schools.