Ministry of Health cancels six-month credentialing period for licenses of doctors

Government

Ministry of Health cancels six-month credentialing period for licenses of doctors

The Ministry of Health has cancelled the six-month period required for heath entities to conduct credentialing for licenses of doctors and people working in the UAE health sector. Physicians and technicians can now transfer their licenses as soon as their credentials are issued. The new regulation has in effect cancelled the previous directive allowing a physician or technician to give his or her license, transfer the same and move to another entity only after six months.

H.E. Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Policy and Licensing at the Health Ministry and Vice Chairman of the Medical Licensing Committee, said the new regulation comes in line with the Ministrys efforts to coordinate with other health entities in the Emirates. The move also reflects the Ministrys commitment to continuously update its procedures and regulations to keep pace with the countrys steady progress and continuously evolving local health sector. Last year, the Ministry issued a regulation unifying medical license procedures so health professionals can work across the UAE.
The regulation contributes to enhanced health care services in the UAE.

H.E. Dr. Amiri added that the cancellation of the six-month period will improve the countrys health services. The UAE will now be able to further attract highly qualified human resources who have extensive experience working for various medical institutions and in different work environments. The new rule will also facilitate the fast movement of doctors and physicians to different health institutions, thus improving healthcare services in the UAE. The Ministry will continuously work in line with the directions of the UAE Government towards the top prioritization of human health.

The new rule encourages investments in the health sector and strengthens the UAEs status as a medical tourism hub. In addition to regulations issued recently by the Ministry, H.E. said the latest directive will establish an investor-friendly environment for the private health sector. The Ministry is in effect demonstrating its interest in enhancing its strategic partnership with the private sector. Many famous international medical centers have already established their presence in the UAE to offer world-class and globally competitive health services. There is no need for patients to travel outside the UAE for medical treatments, thus resulting in substantial cost savings. These institutions also strengthen the local medical tourism with their advanced health infrastructure and facilities. The business-friendly environment also plays a major role in attracting leading international health organizations and companies to open offices in the UAE. These companies can set up their factories or distribution warehouses in the country, further boosting the health sector in particular and the UAEs economy in general.

Cancellation of A and B Classes from the licenses of specialists.
In line with the new unified standards for licenses of physicians, H.E. Dr. Amiri noted that the Ministry has cancelled the classification of A and B classes for doctors starting October 2014. As a result, the license carries only the specialty of the doctor. This rule applies to all licenses issued after the effective period. As for doctors working in the UAE under Class B, the Ministry has given them three years to settle their positions. The renewal of licenses of Class B doctors will also be done within three years. After this period, the doctors will be reevaluated based on their skills and experience in accordance with the unified standards. Dr. Amiri called on all doctors to settle their positions as soon as possible and within the given period.