SARA ALZAABI and SADEQ ALKHOORI (ABU DHABI)
A unified insurance system not only guarantees access to medical care — it elevates the health services Emiratis receive and raises quality of life, doctors in the UAE told Aletihad.
Physicians praised the latest healthcare directive issued by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, saying it would boost the wellbeing of UAE nationals as it builds a more connected healthcare ecosystem.
Dr Ayesha Mohamed, Senior Genetics Consultant at Tadawi Hospital Dubai, said this integrated model would close any gap in healthcare access among citizens. She explained that such a system would give individuals greater flexibility: If medical care is accessible anywhere in the country, location will not be a barrier to treatments, routine check-ups, or a doctor’s advice.
“An integrated national health insurance system represents a key pillar in strengthening quality of life and reinforcing the principle of healthcare equity across society,” Dr Ayesha said.
Another specialist, Dr Ahmed Al Matrooshi, said the initiative would ease both financial and logistical challenges linked to medical care.
“This initiative will serve citizens, wherever they may be in the UAE, by eliminating the need to travel between emirates and providing them with access to the best medical treatment across all specialties,” Dr Al Matrooshi said.
Those battling the big C are also set to benefit from the initiative, especially since cancer care often requires highly specialised expertise and long-term treatment, according to Prof Humaid Al-Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute.
“This new system will allow Emirati cancer patients to access the most appropriate cancer centre anywhere in the UAE, based on their clinical needs rather than their location or insurance origin,” Al Shamsi said.
He added that it could improve access to advanced treatments, specialist expertise, second opinions, and centres experienced in complex and rare cancers, while also reducing delays and strengthening referrals between healthcare facilities.
“Ultimately, this is a major step toward a more integrated, equitable, and patient-centred cancer care system in the UAE,” he said.