Ministry of Health and Prevention holds press conference to explain amendments to expatriates medical examination law

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) held a press conference to explain the changes approved by the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 5 of 2016 on the provisions of the Council of Ministers Resolution No. 7 of 2008 regarding the system of residency screening medical fitness.

H.E. Dr. Hussein Abdul Rahman Rand, Assistant Undersecretary, MOHAP, presided over the press conference with Dr. Nada Marzouki, Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine. H.E. Dr. Rand said: In line with our national efforts to develop a system of legislation that will protect the community from diseases and as part of the initiative to update the Medical Fitness Examinations for those wishing to stay proceedings in the state, the health card requirement for a medical examination for expatriates has been canceled. After getting the physical fitness certificate, a person should apply to get either a health card or a health insurance. A screening for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C will be performed for employees in health centers in order to protect their health due to their constant interaction with patients.".

H.E. Dr. Rand, pointed out that this decision, which has been implemented throughout preventive medicine centers given that February, is in line with current developments being pursued within the medical field in an effort to update legislation, manage the spread of transmittable conditions and help with domestic procedures. In 2015, 460,904 persons were screened for fitness in the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Dr. Rand highlighted the Ministry's commitment to protect the community in light of the increasing number of expats arriving to the UAE as a result of the financial boom, this has actually led to updating the precautionary procedures and regulations to maintain community health.