Health in the United Arab Emirates

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Standards of health care are considered to be generally high in the United Arab Emirates,
resulting from increased government spending during strong economic years. According
to the UAE government, total expenditures on health care from 1996 to 2003 were
US$436 million. According to the World Health Organization, in 2004 total expenditures
on health care constituted 2.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), and the per
capita expenditure for health care was US$497. Health care currently is free only for
UAE citizens. UAE has seven Emirates.
Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of death in the UAE, constituting 28 percent
of total deaths; other major causes are accidents and injuries, malignancies, andcongenital
anomalies.
The World bank ranked Dubai and Abu Dhabi as being the 2nd and 3rd, respectively,
most popular medical tourism destinations in the region, behind Jordan.

Contents
[hide]

1Origins of health care in the UAE

2Health care systems

2.1Emirate of Abu Dhabi

2.2Emirate of Dubai

3Genetic Disorders
4HIV/AIDS
5Health survey
6Diabetes
72009 flu pandemic
8External links
9References

Origins of health care in the UAE[edit]

The start of modern health care in the United Arab Emirates can be traced to the days
when the area was known as the Trucial Coast. In 1943, a small healthcare centre was
opened in the Al Ras area of Dubai. In 1951, under the patronage of Sheikh Saeed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, the first phase of the Al Maktoum Hospital was
built and continued over succeeding years until a 157-bed hospital was completed.[1] In
1960, Sheikhs Shakhbut and Zayed of Abu Dhabi visited an American mission in Muscat
and were so impressed by what they saw that they invited the couple in charge, Pat and

Marian Kennedy, to open a clinic in Al Ain, which they did in the November of that year.
[2] This became officially known as the Oasis Hospital, unofficially as the Kennedy
Hospital to local people. In 1966, a small outpatient department opened in Abu Dhabi,
followed a year later by the appointment of Dr Philip Horniblow with a brief to develop a
national health service. This led the then ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed, to open a
new hospital, the Central Hospital, in 1968.[3] The Private sector has also made
enormous contributions in the U.A.E led by the Gulf Medical University and the GMC
Hospitals as the pioneers in private medical education and healthcare sectors.

Health care systems[edit]

The UAE now has 40 public hospitals, compared with only seven in 1970. The Ministry
of Health is undertaking a multimillion-dollar program to expand health facilities and
hospitals, medical centers, and a trauma center in the seven emirates. A state-of-theart general hospital has opened in Abu Dhabi with a projected bed capacity of 143, a
trauma unit, and the first home health care program in the UAE. To attract wealthy UAE
nationals and expatriates who traditionally have traveled abroad for serious medical care,
Dubai is developing Dubai Healthcare City, a hospital free zone that will offer
international-standard advanced private health care and provide an academic medical
training center; completion is scheduled for 2010.[4]

Emirate of Abu Dhabi[edit]

Effective January 2006, all residents of Abu Dhabi are covered by a new comprehensive
health insurance program ; costs will be shared between employers and employees. Prior
to 2007, government owned health care facilities were managed by the General Authority
for Health Services, GAHS. In 2007, this authority was restructured into:

Health Authority Abu Dhabi which is responsible for regulating the healthcare
industry and developing Abu Dhabis health policy.
Abu Dhabi health Services Company, SEHA is responsible for managing
government owned healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi. Currently, SEHA manages
57 Primary Health Care Centers, 13 Hospitals, 3 Maternal and Child Health
Centers, 3 Specialized Dental Centers, one center for Autism, and 5 Specialized
Facilities like rehab, blood bank and herbal center.[5]

Emirate of Dubai[edit]

Dubai Health Authority (DHA): for public and private healthcare facilities in the
Emirate of Dubai
Ministry of Health (MOH): for public and private healthcare facilities in the
Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman and the rest of the north Emirates, also few public
facilities in Dubai like Al Baraha Hospital and Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital.

As the worlds most advanced cities the health care services in UAE are up-to the mark.
All the surveys are conducted under the supervision of Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
which is empowered to set and implement the policies and strategies for health. A number
of surveys have been conducted contributing in establishing comprehensive health

promotion program and chalking out prevention and curative strategies. On 27th June
2010, The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Statistics Centre (DSC)
collaboratively completed first most comprehensive Dubai Household Health Survey
(DHHS). The survey covering 5,000 households provided a unique and unprecedented
assessment of issues concerning health. Among 5,000 households, there were 2500 UAE
National Households, 25oo Expatriate and 700 individuals from labor camps with the
purpose of finding out the detailed information on issues such as healthcare utilization,
health status, health spending and treatment abroad. According to the Head of Research
and Performance Management in DHAs Health Policy Strategy sector Dr. Eldaw
Abdalla Suliman, the collected data will be analyzed over 18 months that will help in
identifying and addressing Dubais health care issues. The Primary Healthcare Services
Sector (PHCSS) of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) started a health and Socio-economic
survey intended to cover 3,000 families in beginning to understand health issues and risk
factors affecting population of Dubai. A survey unveiled that 40% of school children in
UAE are overweight and 15% are obese. The reasons attributed to these issues were
growing trend among children to consume too much fast food and less physical activities.
30 minutes of exercise was suggested and led to initiating physical activities programs in
schools of Dubai. A survey by DHA in 2012 covered about 5,000 residents, Emiratis and
Expatriates revealed that education and chronic disease are the major factors in enhancing
the risk of developing the mental and physical disabilities. Women reported more severe
disability problems. According to the survey, there is a direct link between chronic
disease and functional disabilities. The various factors taken into account were age,
gender, nationality, income and other parameters. A survey initiated in 2012 by DHA with
the intention of surveying all health care facilities in Dubai in order to setup Dubai
Clinical Services Capacity Plan 2020 (DCSCP). From September 2nd to October 25th
2012, the Emirates first comprehensive survey of health care services was carried. The
purpose of study was to identify the gaps in Dubai healthcare market and in planning
future healthcare services in Dubai. A 2014 survey on 1,000 residents shows that unfit in
UAE think they are healthy and reality is totally different. More than half the respondents
are either overweight or obese and barely exercise. Inadequate sleeping habits,
consumption of tobacco and smoking, carbonated beverages, increasing intake of junk
food and lack of exercise is maximizing diabetes and hypertension. DHA has already
warned people with heart diseases by considering hypertension a silent killer. A recent
UAE mall study reveals that two thirds of women dont exercise and one third are
obese. The study on nearly 5,000 women consisted of questionnaire and tests identified
the main indicators of health issues including smoking, high blood pressure, high blood
sugar and cholesterol and body mass index. The collected data can be implemented by
medical community in the Middle East for research efforts. In hair transplantation field,
many advanced transitions can be observed. A wide array of surveys and research has
resulted in less labor intensive hair transplantation methods. The Hair Cloning is another
method being utilized for eliminating male pattern baldness which is the advanced form
of traditional hair transplant[2] method. Hair cloning also called Hair Multiplication is the
technique in which reproduction and distribution of healthy hair follicles occur which
leads to complete eradication of hair loss or baldness. Along with FUE, Gene therapy is
being implemented in which genes in existing cells within the body are changed. This
therapy yields consistent hair growth for life time by preventing the cells being damaged

by DHT hormone. Further research and process of exploring new methods is under
progress.

Genetic Disorders[edit]
In 2009, 119 genetic disorders were identified among Emiratis and 241 among Arab
citizens and expatriates combined in the UAE. This is the second-highest incidence of
genetic disorders in the Arab world (after Oman).[6] Autosomal recessive disorders are
common in the UAE. Hemoglobinopathies are one of the most common disorders among
the UAE nationals. Beta-thalassemia constitutes a major public health problem in the
UAE. During 1989-2004, more than 850 patients have been registered at
theDubai Genetics and Thalassemia Center. Surveys have shown that the UAE exhibits
one of the highest carrier frequencies of -thalassemia in the Arabic Gulf region which is
8.5%.[7] Pre-marital medical examinations in the UAE, excluding the HAAD,
include blood group tests, sickle cell anaemia, hepatitis B and C, German measles,
haemoglobin variance, HIV/AIDS, thalassaemia, and syphilis.[8]
The Health Authority Abu Dhabi introduced introduced premarital screening and
counselling in 2011. 56,226 men and women preparing for marriage were tested for
genetic and infectious disorders were tested between 2011 and the end of 2014. in 2014
16,247 people were tested, 342 were Beta-thalassaemia carriers, 8 had sickle-cell
anaemia, 205 were sickle-cell anaemia carriers, 36 had syphilis and 140 had hepatitis B.
[9]

HIV/AIDS[edit]
Main article: HIV/AIDS in United Arab Emirates
In 1985 the UAE established a national program to prevent transmission of acquired
immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and to control its entry into the country. According
to World Health Organization estimates, in 20023 fewer than 1,000 people in the UAE
were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS.[4]

Health survey[edit]
A health survey will cover 5,000 nationals as of March 2009. [10]

Diabetes[edit]
One out of every four citizens of the United Arab Emirates has diabetes, at a rate of
roughly 20% for residents, 25% for Emirati nationals.[11] UAE Ministerial Council
declared 2009 "Anti-diabetes Year" on January 11, 2009.

2009 flu pandemic[edit]

May 24: First case confirmed.[12]

June 25: 8th confirmed H1N1 case
July 21: 110 H1N1 cases in the country, of which 30 originated within inside. The
government has announced urgent steps to tackle the virus, including setting up

thermal scanners at malls and giving companies the right to cancel residence visas
of employees who contract it abroad.[13]

July 27: Community outbreaks confirmed in United Arab Emirates

July 31: 110 cases.[14]
August 21: MoH announces UAE's first swine flu death.[15]

Healthcare in the United Arab

Emirates
Guiding Principle
The UAE has emerged as one of the fastest growing healthcare markets in the
Middle East, resulting from increased government spending during strong economic
years. The UAE Government plays a central role in providing public healthcare
services, however, it is rapidly promoting the involvement of private sector in all
areas of medical services to deliver a high standard of healthcare to the population.
The UAE lucrative pharmaceutical market and the high standard medical facilities
are reflecting the countrys rapid development over recent years, although these
markets are heavily dependent upon imports. There is no federal law regulating the
subject-matter of health insurance in the UAE. Some years ago all employees in the
UAE could acquire a public heath card for a small amount. Now the rules became
more diversified. Abu Dhabi introduced compulsory health insurance. A new unified
health insurance system in Dubai for nationals and non-nationals is under
consideration and it is expected that the scheme will eventually be extended across
the country.
I.

Federal Medical Liability Law No. 10/20081

Federal Law No. 10/2008 concerning medical liability sets out duties and obligations of
the physician, urging him/her to act accurately and honestly and to take into consideration
the applicable scientific and technical practices so as to achieve the required level of
patient care. This law defines medical errors as errors resulting from ignorance of
technical matters, which every person who practices in the medical profession would
know or from negligence or failure to exercise due care and diligence.
Under this Law, the physician is prohibited from using non licensed or unlawful means to
treat the patient. The physician is also prohibited from disclosing the patients
confidential medical information to unauthorized third parties.

With regard to surgical operation, the Law requires that the physician is qualified to
perform operations in accordance with his/her practice and experience. The place of the
operation should be adequately equipped and prepared such that the proposed surgery can
be successfully performed.
Under the Law, the physician is prohibited from performing an abortion or prescribing
anything that may cause an abortion unless it is evident that the continuation of the
pregnancy is either dangerous to the life of the woman, or if it is evident that the embryo
is deformed (provided that the embryo is no older that 120 days and seriously deformed
beyond any treatment).
II. Federal Law No. 7/1975 Concerning the Practice of Human Medicine Profession 2
The said law regulates provisions on the licensing and registration of physicians. Under
this law it is prohibited for any person to practice the profession of human medicine in
companies or clinics or private hospitals in the State of United Arab Emirates, unless he
has a licence to practice this profession from the Ministry of Health (abbrev. MoH).
This Law also defines the specific requirements for establishment the medical
laboratories, clinics and private hospitals. No person has the right to establish medical
laboratories for bacterial, chemical, organic or food analysis or alike, as well as the XRay, ionized isotope, physiotherapy clinics or private hospitals unless having a licence
from the MoH.
A. Rules and Regulations related to Healthcare
III. The UAE Labour Law
1. Basic Principles
Many relevant provisions for the healthcare are included in the UAE Labour Law
(abbrev. UAE-LL) applicable in all Emirates3 . UAE Labour Law is based on French
Law, has 193 articles, which are supplemented by various Ministerial Decrees.
An employment contracting the Labour Law is null and void to the extent that it purports
to erode rights the Labour Law has conferred upon an employee. Foreign employers may
not by-pass the application of the UAE Labour Law by referring to a foreign law in an
employment contract.
2. Sick Leave
Full wage has to be paid for the first 15 days of sickness and half wages for the next 30
days per year. Periods of sickness over 90 days are a justifiable reason for dismissal.

In accordance with Art.83 UAE-LL, a sick employee is entitled to continue his contract
for a period of 90 days provided that he has completed more than three months after the
probation period in continuous service of the employer. For the first two weeks the
employee may claim full payment, for the following thirty days payment will be reduced
to 50%. For the remaining period up to 90 days the sick employee is not entitled to any
payment unless stipulated otherwise. The employee may not claim any payment, if his
disease is caused by the consumption of alcohol or drugs (Art. 84 UAE-LL).
Art. 85 UAE-LL stipulates that the employer may terminate the labour contract, if the
sick employee fails to appear after the expiration of the 90 days period. Nevertheless, the
employee shall receive his end of service gratuity.
At the earliest, the termination of the labour contract is effective with expiration of the 90
days sick leave according to Art.124 UAE-LL, notwithstanding the fact, that the disease
of the employee results in a temporary or permanent disability exceeding the period of 90
days.
With the knowledge of the disability of the employee to work, the employer may
terminate the labour contract. The employment ends after the period of restraint of 90
days at the earliest, if the employer complied with the period of notice in accordance with
Art.117 UAE-LL. The employee will receive his end of service gratuity including the
period of 90 days for the sick leave without any reduction due to his sick leave.
3. Maternity Leave
According to Art. 30 UAE-LL, a working woman shall be entitled to maternity leave with
full pay for a period of 45 days, including the period preceding and that following her
confinement, on condition that she has been in her employers service for a continuous
period of no less than one year.
If she has not completed that period of service, she shall be entitled to maternity leave
with half pay.
On the expiry of her maternity leave, a woman worker may be absent from her work
without pay for a maximum period of 100 consecutive or non-consecutive days if such
absence is due to an illness preventing her from resuming her work and if the illness is
confirmed by a medical certificate issued by the medical service specified by the
competent health authority, or if the latter authority confirms that the illness was caused
by the womans work or confinement.
The leave provided for in the preceding paragraphs shall not be deducted from other
periods of leave.

IV. Healthcare Insurance Law

There is no federal law regulating the subject-matter of health insurance in the UAE. The
Emirate of Dubai and Northern Emirates have not passed any specific regulations on
health insurance. Only health cards are applied in these emirates. The Abu Dhabi Health
Insurance Law No. 23/2005 came into effect and applies to all expatriates living or
residing or working in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi after January 2007. A new unified health
insurance system in Dubai for nationals and non-nationals is under consideration and it is
expected that the scheme will eventually be extended across the country.
The health insurance scheme based on the Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Law offers 3
kinds of policies for coverage:
Basic Health Insurance Policy for individuals with monthly salaries less than AED
4.000 or AED 3.000 plus housing allowance. The premium has been set at AED 600
yearly. The policy is valid for 1 year and is to be renewed annually. The insured is not
entitled to claim back the premium.
Enhanced Health Insurance Policy for all other individuals. These policies will include
basic coverage plus additional covers as per the agreement between the beneficiary and
the insurance company.
Emergency Health Insurance Policy for all visitors to the Emirates in the event of an
emergency. The premium will be set according to the duration of the visit and in
consideration of the prices in the market.
The insurance policies generally are valid for 1 year from the date of issuance and are to
be renewed annually. Shifting from one policy to another is flexible provided the insured
pays the difference. The policies contain basic healthcare services, excluding special
services, additional services, maximum coverage, procedure of complaints guidelines and
a co-payment to be paid by the insured.
According to Abu Dhabi Health Insurance Law, the authorized healthcare provider shall
provide in the case of a medical emergency healthcare to any injured party, whether
or not their insurance covers the treatment. The costs may be recovered from the health
insurance company if insured, or from the employer / sponsor if not insured. In the case
of work related injuries, the health insurance scheme will not cover any medical
treatments. These will be covered by the Work Compensation Insurance.
There are several obligations of the employer and sponsor to provide health insurance.
All employers and sponsors are responsible for the procurement of health insurance
coverage and possession of valid health insurance at all times for their employees and
their families (1 spouse and 3 children under 18), inclusive of registration fees, as well as

the cost of the policy and for the cost of all healthcare services that are provided to
persons on his sponsorship in the event that such a person is not covered by a valid health
insurance policy.
V. Federal Medical Liability Law No. 10/20084
Federal Law No. 10/2008 concerning medical liability sets out duties and obligations of
the physician, urging him/her to act accurately and honestly and to take into consideration
the applicable scientific and technical practices so as to achieve the required level of
patient care. This law defines medical errors as errors resulting from ignorance of
technical matters, which every person who practices in the medical profession would
know or from negligence or failure to exercise due care and diligence.
Under this Law, the physician is prohibited from using non licensed or unlawful means to
treat the patient. The physician is also prohibited from disclosing the patients
confidential medical information to unauthorized third parties.
With regard to surgical operation, the Law requires that the physician is qualified to
perform operations in accordance with his/her practice and experience. The place of the
operation should be adequately equipped and prepared such that the proposed surgery can
be successfully performed.
Under the Law, the physician is prohibited from performing an abortion or prescribing
anything that may cause an abortion unless it is evident that the continuation of the
pregnancy is either dangerous to the life of the woman, or if it is evident that the embryo
is deformed (provided that the embryo is no older that 120 days and seriously deformed
beyond any treatment).
VI. Federal Law No. 7/1975 Concerning the Practice of Human Medicine
Profession 5
The said law regulates provisions on the licensing and registration of physicians. Under
this law it is prohibited for any person to practice the profession of human medicine in
companies or clinics or private hospitals in the State of United Arab Emirates, unless he
has a licence to practice this profession from the Ministry of Health (abbrev. MoH).
This Law also defines the specific requirements for establishment the medical
laboratories, clinics and private hospitals. No person has the right to establish medical
laboratories for bacterial, chemical, organic or food analysis or alike, as well as the XRay, ionized isotope, physiotherapy clinics or private hospitals unless having a licence
from the MoH.
B. Healthcare in the Day to Day Life

The UAE has emerged as one of the fastest growing healthcare markets in the Middle
East. It has been found that the UAE healthcare sector is one of the most developed in the
GCC region after Saudi Arabia with a strong demand for best-in-class healthcare.
Standards of healthcare are considered to be generally high in the UAE, resulting from
increased government spending during strong economic years. According to the World
Health Organization, in 2004 total expenditures on healthcare constituted 2.9 percent of
gross domestic product (GDP), and the per capita expenditure for healthcare was US$
497. The World Bank ranked Dubai and Abu Dhabi as being the second and third,
respectively, most popular medical tourism destinations in the region. The number of
doctors per 100,000 (annual average, 199099) is 181.
The UAE Government plays a central role in providing healthcare services and accounted
for around 70% of the total healthcare spending in 2007. However, with increasing
pressure on the public healthcare system, the Government is rapidly promoting the
involvement of private sector in all areas of medical services ranging from diagnosis to
treatment.
Citizens of the UAE are provided healthcare by the Governments Federal Ministry of
Health. Healthcare currently is free only for UAE citizens. The MoH requires all citizens
to obtain a health card. As of 2001, governmental medical facilities no longer provide
free medications to expatriates; instead, expatriates must obtain medications from private
pharmacies. Also in 2001, the Government announced that expatriate workers and visitors
without health cards must pay the full costs of medical treatment received in the UAE.
These efforts signalled a shift towards greater private sector involvement in the UAE
healthcare system.
Generally, a very good coverage of Primary Healthcare (PHC) has been achieved
throughout the country so that no more than 200 people live in an area 30 km away from
a health service or without a PHC clinic. All PHC clinics provide curative and preventive
services with a small percentage of rehabilitation services.
In UAE most of the infectious diseases like malaria, measles and poliomyelitis that were
once endemic have been eradicated, while pre-natal and post-natal care is on par with the
worlds most developed countries: the new-born (neonate) mortality rate has been
reduced to 5.54 per 1000 and infant mortality to 7.7 per 1000. Maternal mortality rates
have dropped to 0.01 for every 100,000. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of
death in the UAE, constituting 28 percent of total deaths. Other major causes are
accidents and injuries, malignancies, and congenital anomalies.
As the UAE has a vast healthcare sector, its pharmaceutical and medical device markets
are quite big. In fact, the country has the largest pharmaceutical market after Saudi Arabia
in the GCC. Both of these markets depend on imports with low local participation.

The UAE pharmaceutical market is considered as the most lucrative market in the Middle
East region, growing at double digit rate over the past few years. The growth can be
attributed to a number of factors such as rapidly escalating population, liberal trade
policies and adaptation of international standards in healthcare. This market remained
unaffected by the economic crisis.
Pharmaceutical drugs import will continue to dominate the countrys growing demand
for domestic drug consumption. Countries such as the UK, Germany, Switzerland and
France serve as the most important sources for pharmaceutical imports for the UAE.
The UAE is home to eight pharmaceutical factories with investments reaching $64.2
million. Leading players in the pharmaceutical manufacturing business include
Globalpharma, Gulf Inject and Medpharma, Neopharma, Pharmacare.
The medical facilities in the UAE are of a very high standard, reflecting the countrys
rapid development over recent years. The UAE medical device market like
pharmaceutical market is heavily dependent upon imports. In recent years, the UAE
medical device market has been buoyed by some of the lowest import duties in the
region. In vitro and diagnostics equipments are exempted from import tariffs, while
capital equipment and instruments carry a 5% levy.
As a consequence of this high standard of care at all stages of the healthcare system, life
expectancy at birth in the UAE, at 78.3 years, has reached levels similar to those in
Europe and North America. To date, healthcare in the UAE has, by and large, been
funded by the Government. As with other sectors, this emphasis is evolving and publicprivate partnerships are becoming more important.
The UAE is working with leading global institutions to develop its healthcare system.
The UAE seeks to become a major centre for world-class healthcare in the Middle East,
for its own residents, as well as those in the region. A number of the partnerships are with
US-based institutions:
The Harvard Medical School Dubai Centre is a joint project of Harvard University and
the Dubai Healthcare City;
The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is in development and will be a world-class specialty
hospital and clinic;
The Johns Hopkins Medical School manages healthcare systems in Abu Dhabi, including
the 469-bed Tawam Hospital.
C. Healthcare in the Public Sector

The UAE has a comprehensive, government-funded health service and a rapidly

developing private health sector that delivers a high standard of healthcare to the
population.
Public policy focuses on developing organizational and legal frameworks based on best
practice, to upgrade the private and public sector health service capabilities. In addition,
public policy action will set priorities for health services within the sector. The MoH is
undertaking a multimillion-dollar program to expand health facilities and hospitals,
medical centres, and a trauma centre in the seven emirates.
Healthcare services are offered by 6 different authorities:
Ministry of Health A wide range of public health facilities are run by the MoH, it
manages 22 hospitals, 88 PHCs, school health and maternity and child health all over the
UAE;
General Authority of Health, Abu Dhabi established in 2001 to manage hospitals and
PHCs in the emirate of Abu Dhabi;
Army Directorate of Medical Services runs 3 hospitals and several field clinics;
Department of Health and Medical Services, Dubai established in 1972, manages 4
hospitals and 20 PHCs in the emirate of Dubai;
Dubai Healthcare City- established in 2002 is an autonomous entity with 3 clusters:
University Medical complex, Medical and Wellness; Private sector.
D. Healthcare in the Private Sector
Private initiative in healthcare in the UAE has been subdued largely due to free
availability of government healthcare services to citizens. Now, the private sector has
become an important partner in providing comprehensive healthcare. This sector
accounted for around 30% of the total healthcare funding during 2007. It is now
contributing effectively to curative, preventive and health promotion services through
hospitals, diagnostic and medical centres and clinics. The number of private sector
hospitals surged by more than 100% in 2007 to total 51, while the number of hospital
beds reached 1864, up by around 62% compared to 2006. The private sector is far more
active in the provision of primary care than hospital services.
The UAE currently has nine major hospital projects underway. To attract wealthy UAE
nationals and expatriates who traditionally have travelled abroad for serious medical care,
Dubai is developing Dubai Healthcare City, the worlds first healthcare free zone that
offers international-standard advanced private healthcare and provides modern medical

services in the disciplines relevant to the health issues facing the region and
internationally. These include cardiology, oncology, diabetes as well as providing a basis
of other preventive, health maintenance and rehabilitative services. It also provides an
academic medical training centre. Dubai Healthcare City is a paradigm project that plans
to cluster over 300 healthcare providers, 10 hospitals with 1,300 beds and a range of
related businesses in a Healthcare Free Zone.
Dubai Healthcare City is an AED$1.8 billion (US$490 million) development backed by
the Government of Dubai. Dubai Healthcare City will work closely with the Government
of Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services and the UAE Ministry of Health to
improve the overall healthcare system and facilitate delivery of healthcare. But it is not a
government entity. Dubai Healthcare City is described as a self-regulated environment for
high-quality healthcare, medical education and research, which has a mission to create a
platform for the provision of healthcare, education and research services within an
informed regulatory framework. The aim is to complement the existing facilities in Dubai
and the United Arab Emirates, and to provide higher quality healthcare services where
necessary.
Another ongoing project is the establishment of a $400 million Dubai Biotechnology and
Research Park (DuBiotech). DuBiotech features a 300-hectare biotech science park that
attracts a mix of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies active in research and
development, scientific discovery, testing, production, storage, sales and distribution.
1. On 16th December 2008, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bins Zayed Al Nahyan, the president
of the United Arab Emirates, issued Federal Law No. 10/2008 concerning Medical
Liability. The law is comprised of 39 articles over 6 chapters.
2. Federal Law No. 7/1975 Concerning the Practice of Human Medicine Profession is
issued by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab
Emirates on 21.10.1975. The law is comprised of 35 articles over 5 chapters.
3. The UAE-Labour Law, (abbrev. UAE-LL) Law No. 8 of 1980, published in the UAE
Official Gazette, Vol. X, No. 79 on 30.04.1980, as been amended by Federal Law No. 24
of 1981, published in the UAE Official Gazette No. 98 in November 1981, Federal Law
No. 15 of 1985, published in the UAE Official Gazette, Vol. XV, No. 158 in December
1985 and Federal Law No. 12 of 1986, published in the UAE Official Gazette, Vol. XVI,
No. 168 in October 1986 with Resolutions and Ministerial Decisions pertaining to
Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 from 1980 to 29.02.1997.
4. On 16th December 2008, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bins Zayed Al Nahyan, the president
of the United Arab Emirates, issued Federal Law No. 10/2008 concerning Medical
Liability. The law is comprised of 39 articles over 6 chapters.

5. Federal Law No. 7/1975 Concerning the Practice of Human Medicine Profession is
issued by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab
Emirates on 21.10.1975. The law is comprised of 35 articles over 5 chapters.
January, 2010

Elena Schildgen & Zahra Tahsili

Meyer-Reumann & Partners
Dubai & Tehran Office

Health Care
The UAE has a comprehensive, government-funded health service and a rapidly
developing private health sector that delivers a high standard of health care to the
population. Healthcare is regulated at both the Federal and Emirate level. Public
healthcare services are administered by different regulatory authorities in the United Arab
Emirates including the Ministry of Health, Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Emirates Health Authority (EHA).
Most infectious diseases like malaria, measles and poliomyelitis that were once prevalent
in the UAE have been eradicated. New vaccination campaigns are taking place to protect
against chicken pox, pertusis and the rotavirus. In addition, access to clean water in urban
and rural areas is assured for 100 per cent of the population, and close to 100 per cent use
modern sanitation facilities. Pre-natal and post-natal care is on par with the world's most
developed countries: the new-born (neonate) mortality rate has been reduced to 5.54 per
1000 and infant mortality to 7 per 1000. Maternal mortality rates have dropped to 0.01 for
every 100,000.
Due to the success of this high standard of care across all stages of the health care system,
life expectancy in the UAE is 76.8 years, reaching levels similar to those in Europe and
North America. To date, health care in the UAE has been funded mainly by the
Government. The UAE in its modernization and path of reform is now evolving this
funding to focus on increasingly important public-private partnerships.
The UAEs public policy for health care focuses on developing organizational and legal
frameworks based on best practice, and to overhaul and upgrade the private and public
sector health service capabilities. In addition, public policy action will set priorities for
health services development within the sector.

Health Care Transformation in Abu Dhabi

Health care delivery in Abu Dhabi is undergoing a significant transition that will affect
the entire spectrum of stakeholders: patients (citizens and expatriates), providers and
those responsible for planning, assuring the quality of services and financing the health
system. The key objectives for the Health Authority in Abu Dhabi are to:

Improve quality of care, always the primary consideration, to be promoted through

application of rigorous service standards and performance targets across the board.

Expand access to services, giving all patients access to the same standard of care with
the power to choose health care services thus promoting excellence through free-market
competition.

Shift from public to private providers safely and efficiently so that private providers,
rather than government, service health care needs, with the role of government restricted
to the development and enforcement of new, world-class health care standards.

Implement a new financing model through an innovative system of mandatory health

insurance.
Insurance for all workers, including domestic, is required and funded by sponsors. The
compulsory health insurance plan for private sector employees, as implemented in Abu
Dhabi, came into effect across the country in 2008. Hallmarks of the new system included
a clear and transparent reimbursement process, affordable access for all residents and
reliable funding for quality health care in Abu Dhabi.
A charitable fund continues to operate for underinsured expatriates and to aid in financing
more serious medical conditions such as cancer, dialysis, polytrauma and disability.

Health Care Transformation in Dubai

In neighboring emirate Dubai, healthcare is experiencing rapid innovation through
modernization of patient service delivery and infrastructure projects. The Dubai Health
Authority serves a dual role as regulator and operator of the Emirate of Dubais
healthcare sector. Priorities for the health care sector in Dubai include retaining and
attracting high caliber medical and healthcare staff, strengthening initiatives around
postgraduate healthcare education and continued investment in primary and specialized
health services.
There are also two healthcare free zones in Dubai, Dubai Healthcare City and Dubai
Biotechnology and Research Park, which have their own regulatory bodies. Dubai
Healthcare City (DHCC) was launched in 2002 by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid to
meet the demand for high-quality healthcare, today DHCC has two hospitals, over 120

outpatient medical centers and diagnostic laboratories with over 4,000 licensed
professionals. Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, launched as part of Dubais
2010 vision to establish a knowledge-based economy, is the worlds first free-zone
dedicated to life sciences.

Partnerships
The UAE is working with leading global institutions to further develop its health care
system. The UAE seeks to become a major center for world-class health care in the
Middle East, for not only its own residents, but those in the region as well. A number of
the UAEs strong partnerships are with US-based institutions:

The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is in operation as a world-class specialty hospital and
clinic.

The Johns Hopkins Medical School manages health care systems in Abu Dhabi, including
the 469-bed Tawam Hospital.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has a partnership with the UAE
government for breast cancer education.

The Childrens National Medical Center and the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi
partnership has been credited for helping improve infant mortality rates in the UAE,
developing a successful internship program with Emirati doctors and establishing the
UAE as a destination for regional, pediatric care.

The UAE stands at number 27th in world

health systems ranking of the World
Health Organization (WHO).
While reading the WHO report on healthcare in the UAE, I was struck by the progressive
manner in which it has taken its place among the developed nations of the world.
The oil-fuelled surge in economic growth over the past years has seen the UAEs total
population grow at an average annual rate of 10 per cent to just over 4 million by the end
of 2003, according to official figures from the Ministry of Planning.
The attainment of an integrated health systems is actually the attainment of three goals:
health, responsiveness and fairness of financial contribution.
The UAE has seen notable growth in its health care. Over the past years government
health strategies have focused on the welfare of the citizens who are considered to be the

countrys major resource and integral to national development. Comprehensive health

programmes have been adopted to meet the needs of the UAE society. Currently, the
UAE has a comprehensive, government-funded health service and a developing private
health sector. The private sector in recent years has become a significant partner in
providing comprehensive health care to the people of the UAE. It is now contributing
efficiently to curative and preventive services through the hospitals, polyclinics and
diagnostic and medical centers and private clinics.
According to the Regional Health System Observatory of EMROs published report of
2006, the Ministry of Healths budget as a percentage of the governmental budget has
remained relatively constant at about 7.7 per cent over the years (1982-2001). The 1999
Ministry of Health federal budget amounted to Dh1.44 billion dirhams. Health insurance
companies have also made their entry in the last few years; some are national companies
whereas others are branches of international organisations. The largest part of the budget
specified for health goes to curative services, whereas little goes to the preventive and the
primary health care services.
Castros article on health care in Dubai notes the most common infectious disease in
Dubai is chicken pox with 3,472 reported incidences in 2006. This is followed by Viral
Hepatitis B with 392 cases and Pulmonary Tuberculosis with about 312 cases. Heat
stroke is also rampant in Dubai due to very scorching summers.
EMRO Report in 2006 said that communicable diseases still pose a problem to the United
Arab Emirates despite the fact that the incidence of many communicable diseases has
declined sharply in recent years. Viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and meningococcal
meningitis are still considered an important public health problem. In recent years, noncommunicable diseases, notably cardiovascular diseases, cancers and diabetes, as well as
accidents, have been the leading causes of mortality. This is indicative that life style
changes are mandatory.
One wonders if the UAE needs a private national company for the management and
delivery of health services and health-related programmes? Also, would nationalisation of
health professionals help in improving quality of care?
One does see an increase in employer-based health insurance market since individual
health insurance is quite expensive. Recent studies of health systems internationally, have
shown that using a broker in selecting your health insurance may help, though experts
have argued that in the long run some sort of standardisation of rates would be much
better. Using electronic medical records more widely across the UAE, would be very
useful in registering all patients the nationals and expats. Switching to the use of
generic drugs would also cut huge costs. This should be supervised with a regulatory
body to ensure quality and efficiency, perhaps something like the national institute of
clinical effectiveness in UK could be set up in the UAE.

Sabeena Jalal is a physician with a Masters in Public Health from Harvard

Health care in Switzerland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Health Expenditure per capita

(in PPP-adjusted US$) among
several OECD member
nations. Data source: OECD's
iLibrary[1]
Healthcare in Switzerland is universal[2] and is regulated by the Swiss Federal Law on
Health Insurance. Health insurance is compulsory for all persons residing
in Switzerland (within three months of taking up residence or being born in the country).
[3][4][5] International civil servants, members of embassies, and their family members
are exempted from compulsory health insurance. Requests for exemptions are handled by
the respective cantonal authority and have to be addressed to them directly.[6]
The whole healthcare system is geared towards to the general goals of promoting general
public health and reducing costs while encouraging individual responsibility.
Health insurance covers the costs of medical treatment and hospitalisation of the insured.
However, the insured person pays part of the cost of treatment. This is done (a) by means
of an annual deductible (called the franchise), which ranges from CHF 300 (PPPadjusted US$ 184) to a maximum of CHF 2,500 (PPP-adjusted $ 1,534) for an adult as
chosen by the insured person (premiums are adjusted accordingly) and (b) by a charge of
10% of the costs over and above the excess up to a stop-loss amount of CHF 700 (PPPadjusted $ 429).

Life Expectancy of the total

population at birth from 2000
until 2011 in Switzerland
compared to several other
nations. Data source: OECD's iLibrary[7]

Switzerland has an infant mortality rate of about 3.6 out of 1,000. The general life
expectancy in 2013 was for men 80.5 years compared to 84.8 years for women.[8] These
are among the world's best figures.[9]

Contents
[hide]

1History
2Compulsory coverage and costs
3Private coverage
4Organization
5Hospitals
6Statistics
7Notes and references
8See also
9External links

History[edit]
This section
requires expansion.
(December 2010)

Statue of Anna Seiler,

founder of Bern's hospital in
1354.
Anna Seiler founded the first hospital in Bern, Switzerland.

Compulsory coverage and costs[edit]

Percentage of overweight or obese population in 2010, Data source: OECD's

iLibrary, http://stats.oecd.org, retrieved 2013-12-12[10]

Percentage of obese population

in 2010, Data source: OECD's
iLibrary,http://stats.oecd.org,
retrieved 2013-12-13[11]
Swiss are required to purchase basic health insurance, which covers a range of treatments
detailed in theSwiss Federal Law on Health Insurance (ger: Krankenversicherungsgesetz
(KVG); fre: la loi fdrale sur lassurance-maladie (LAMal); ita: legge federale
sullassicurazione malattie (LAMal)). It is therefore the same throughout the country
and avoids double standards in healthcare. Insurers are required to offer this basic
insurance to everyone, regardless of age or medical condition. They are not allowed to
make a profit off this basic insurance, but can on supplemental plans.[2]
The insured person pays the insurance premium for the basic plan up to 8% of their
personal income. If a premium is higher than this, the government gives the insured
person a cash subsidy to pay for any additional premium.[2]
The universal compulsory coverage provides for treatment in case of illness or accident
(unless another accident insurance provides the cover) and pregnancy.
Health insurance covers the costs of medical treatment and hospitalization of the insured.
However, the insured person pays part of the cost of treatment. This is done by these
ways:

by means of an annual excess (or deductible, called the franchise), which ranges
from CHF 300 (PPP-adjusted US$ 184) to a maximum of CHF 2,500 (PPPadjusted $ 1,534) for an adult as chosen by the insured person (premiums are
adjusted accordingly);
and by a charge of 10% of the costs over and above the excess. This is known as
the retention, and is up to a maximum of 700CHF (PPP-adjusted $ 429) per year.

In case of pregnancy, there is no charge. For hospitalisation, one pays a contribution to

room and service costs.
Insurance premiums vary from insurance company to company (health insurance
funds; ger: Krankenkassen; fre: caisses-maladie;ita: casse malati), the excess level
chosen (franchise), the place of residence of the insured person and the degree of
supplementary benefit coverage chosen (complementary medicine, routine dental care,
half-private or private ward hospitalisation, etc.).
In 2014, the average monthly compulsory basic health insurance premiums (with accident
insurance) in Switzerland are the following:[12]

CHF 396.12 (PPP-adjusted US$ 243) for an adult (age 26+)

CHF 363.55 (PPP-adjusted $ 223) for a young adult (age 1925)
CHF 91.52 (PPP-adjusted $ 56.14) for a child (age 018)

Private coverage[edit]
This section
requires expansion.
(October 2013)

The compulsory insurance can be supplemented by private "complementary"

insurance policies that allow for coverage of some of the treatment categories not covered
by the basic insurance or to improve the standard of room and service in case of
hospitalisation. This can include complementary medicine, routine dental treatments,
half-private or private ward hospitalisation, and others, which are not covered by the
compulsory insurance.
As far as the compulsory health insurance is concerned, the insurance companies cannot
set any conditions relating to age, sex or state of health for coverage. Although the level
of premium can vary from one company to another, they must be identical within the
same company for all insured persons of the same age group and region, regardless of sex
or state of health. This does not apply to complementary insurance, where premiums are
risk-based.

Organization[edit]

Children's hospital in Basel,

Switzerland.
The Swiss healthcare system is a
combination of public, subsidised private and totally private systems:

public: e. g. the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG) with 2,350 beds, 8,300
staff and 50,000 patients per year;
subsidised private: the home care services to which one may have recourse in case
of a difficult pregnancy, after childbirth, illness, accident, handicap or old age;

totally private: doctors in private practice and in private clinics.

The insured person has full freedom of choice among the recognised healthcare providers
competent to treat their condition (in his region) on the understanding that the costs are
covered by the insurance up to the level of the official tariff. There is freedom of choice
when selecting an insurance company (provided it is an officially registered caissemaladie or a private insurance company authorised by the federal law) to which one pays
a premium, usually on a monthly basis.
The list of officially-approved insurance companies can be obtained from
the cantonal authority.

Hospitals[edit]

View of the University

Hospital of Lausanne
(CHUV) and Lake Lman.
Main article: List of hospitals in Switzerland

Statistics[edit]
Healthcare costs in Switzerland are 11.4% of GDP (2010), comparable to Germany and
France (11.6%) and other European countries, but significantly less than in USA (17.6%).
Benefits paid out as a percentage of premiums were 90.4% in 2011. Total gross benefits
per person and per year in 2011 were CHF 3,171 (PPP-adjusted US$1,945), of which
CHF 455 (PPP-adjusted $279) are cost sharing.[13]
In a sample of 13 developed countries Switzerland was fourth in its population weighted
usage of medication in 14 classes in 2009 and seventh in 2013. The drugs studied were
selected on the basis that the conditions treated had high incidence, prevalence and/or
mortality, caused significant long-term morbidity and incurred high levels of expenditure
and significant developments in prevention or treatment had been made in the last 10
years. The study noted considerable difficulties in cross border comparison of medication
use.[14]

The Swiss healthcare system

2 comments

A guide to accessing the Swiss healthcare system: health insurance,

visiting the GP, seeing a specialist, going to hospital and
emergency services.
Swiss healthcare is outstanding. Its combined public, subsidised private and totally
private healthcare system create an extensive network of highly qualified doctors (many
of them from elsewhere in the EU) and hospitals, the best equipped medical facilities and
no waiting lists, but it all comes at a price: around 10 percent of the average Swiss salary
goes towards health insurance premiums. There is no free state health service in
Switzerland.
Unlike other European countries, the Swiss healthcare system is not tax based or financed
by employers but is paid for by the individual through contributions into health insurance
schemes. The system is universal but it is administered by individual cantons. This means
that everyone living in Switzerland must have basic health and accident insurance
(Soziale Krankenversicherung / Assurance maladie / Assicurazione-Mallatie). You pay
monthly premiums to the insurer and you also have to pay a contribution towards the cost
of medical consultations and treatments. Each family member must be insured
individually. Babies are insured from birth but to continue cover, you have to take out
health insurance for a child within three months of the birth. Children dont need to be
insured by the same company as their parents. As at 2014, an adult pays around CHF 400
in health insurance premiums.
If you are in Switzerland for less than three months, you may be exempted from the
requirement for holding basic health insurance if you have an European Health Insurance
Card (EHIC), your own health insurance policy, travel insurance or a company healthcare
plan but check with your cantonal authorities to make sure.
After three months everyone has to have organised cover with an authorised Swiss
insurer even if you have an international health insurance policy, as these are not usually
recognised in Switzerland.
Many people top up the basic cover with supplementary private health insurance.
Switzerland has one of the largest private healthcare sectors in the world.
Basic health insurance in Switzerland
There are around 80 health insurance companies in Switzerland, each offering the same
benefits in their basic health insurance policies and they are obliged to accept anyone
who applies, regardless of pre-existing health conditions.
The basic health insurance policy covers:

Out-patient treatment by officially recognised doctors;

Emergency treatment;
A contribution to transport/rescue expenses;
Medicines prescribed by a doctor and on an official list;
Maternity check-ups, tests, ante-natal classes, childbirth;
Abortions and gynaecological check-ups;
Vaccinations;
Rehabilitation after operations or illness;
Medical treatment when on short trips outside of Switzerland;
Some alternative therapies, like homeopathy and Chinese medicine and
psychotherapy if this is given within the medical practice.

The patient's contribution

In any given year, adults have to pay the first CHF 300 of any medical treatment
themselves, except for maternity services. This contribution is called an excess. The
insurance will only pay what exceeds the excess and even then, the patient has to pay 10
percent of that amount. This is called the deductible and is limited to CHF 700 per
year or CHF 350 per year for children. If you need to go to hospital, you have to pay CHF
15 per day.
Health insurance premiums
You are free to choose your own insurer. Monthly premiums may vary from company to
company and most charge less for those aged under 25.
You can pay cheaper premiums if you:

Choose a policy with a restricted choice of doctor or HMO (health maintenance

organisation);
Take out a Telmed policy which requires you to call a telephone counselling
service staffed by medical professionals who can refer you to a doctor or hospital;
Increase your excess from CHF 300 up to CHF 2,500 per year which means that
you pay more if youre ill but have lower premiums when youre well;
Have a modest income this is determined by individual cantons and you
need to contact your local cantonal authorities for more information.

Supplementary health insurance

You can take out optional supplementary health insurance at an extra cost from the same
or separate insurer. Benefits vary from policy to policy but may include orthodontic
treatment, spectacles/contact lenses, choice of doctor when you need treatment in
hospitals, and stays in a private or semi-private hospital ward. The more benefits you get,
the higher the premium. Companies can refuse to insure you or refuse or terminate the

policy if you give incomplete or inaccurate information.

Look on the Federal Office for Public Health website for a list of insurers and an annually
published list of premiums to compare prices.
EU and EEA citizens: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you already have an EHIC you can get public medical treatment in Switzerland at a
reduced cost while you are in the country for the first three months. EHIC does not cover
private treatment. Keep any paperwork and receipts to apply for refunds or
reimbursement on your return to your home country.
Once you take up permanent residence and/or employment you are no longer covered by
the EHIC and must register with a Swiss health insurance company.
Going to the doctor in
Switzerland
You are usually free to choose your own family doctor (Doktor/ Arzt / Mdicin / Medico)
unless your insurance policy places a restriction on choice of doctor, for example, if you
have a cheaper policy plan (see above). In Switzerland, people also choose a paediatrician
to look after the health of their children. The doctor can treat you and refer you onto
specialists in a polyclinic (out-patient clinic) or hospital. Unless your insurance policy
specifies otherwise you may also consult specialists without a referral from your doctor
and be covered by your insurance.
You can find a doctor by personal recommendation,
at www.doktor.ch or www.doctorfmh.ch, or by looking in the health section of the Swiss
Yellow Pages where youll find doctors, dentists, pharmacists and other health
professionals. Your embassy or consulate may be able to recommend a doctor who speaks
your native language.
Youll need to book your appointment beforehand and give 24 hours notice if you need
to cancel otherwise youll be charged. Take your insurance card when you visit the
doctor.
Call your local doctors telephone answer service for the contact number of the out-ofhours doctor.
Hospitals in Switzerland
Hospitals are called Krankenhaus / Spital / Hospital / Ospedale look for a sign with a

white H on a blue background. Unless its an emergency, you have to be referred

to a hospital by a doctor. The hospital will usually be in your local canton. Youll need
to take your EHIC or proof of your Swiss health insurance policy. There are three types
of wards: general (two to four patients), semi-private (two patients) or private for one
patient only. If you have private health insurance you can also choose your own doctor.
Basic health insurance covers medical and nursing care and outpatient follow-up although
you will be asked to pay CHF 15 per day towards these costs. See Expaticas list
of hospitals in Switzerland.
Medical bills
After your consultation or treatment, youll receive a bill from the doctor or hospital.
You need to pay within a specified period of time and then send a copy to your insurance
company who will reimburse you the amount covered by your scheme. If you have to go
to hospital but dont have adequate health insurance for your treatment you may be
asked to pay a deposit of up to CHF 10,000.
Pharmacies in Switzerland
Pharmacies (Apotheke/Pharmacie/Farmacia), clearly marked with a green cross, are
good places to get health advice as well as medicines. The first time you get prescription
medicines from a pharmacy youll be asked for a small, one-off fee to open a patient
file in which the pharmacy will record all your medications. If you go to another
pharmacy youll have to do the same there so it makes sense to try to go to the same
pharmacy each time.
Pharmacy opening hours
Pharmacies are open usual business hours, 8am to 12pm then 2pm to 6pm Mondays to
Fridays; Saturdays they close earlier around 5pm.
If you need an emergency out-of-hours pharmacy you can find the nearest one to you on
this SOS-Pharmacy website (in English). Medicines cost more at out-of-hours
pharmacies.
Prescription charges
If youve been prescribed a branded medicine youll be asked to pay a deductible of
20 percent but only 10 percent on generic medicines, so ask the pharmacist if theres a
generic equivalent for cheaper prices. Non-prescription medication is not covered by
insurance.
Visiting the dentist in Switzerland

The dentist is called Zahnrzte / Dentiste / Dentista and may work in either a private
dental practice or public dental clinic. Most dental care is not covered by the basic health
insurance and can be extremely expensive in Switzerland. Unless youre covered by
private insurance, it might be worth getting extensive dental treatment on a trip back
home.
Adults must pay for their own dental check-ups and treatment although treatment for
problems caused by serious, unavoidable, illness is covered by the basic health insurance.
Childrens teeth are checked free of charge annually by school dentists but parents must
pay to treat dental decay, although some local authorities may subsidise the cost. Most
people take out complementary insurance to cover dental costs.
Pregnancy and birth in Switzerland
Make your first appointment with your family doctor or gynaecologist. You may also
book an appointment with a midwife. Youll see the doctor or midwife throughout your
pregnancy for tests and check-ups. You can give birth in a hospital, birthing centre or at
home.
The basic health insurance covers you for seven check-ups, two ultrasounds, allows CHF
100 for ante-natal classes, the cost of childbirth and post-natal care, three breastfeeding
sessions and a follow-up exam. You pay nothing towards these costs.
For more information, see our guide to having a baby in Switzerland.
Termination of pregnancy
In Switzerland its legal to have an abortion up to 12 weeks after conception without a
doctors consent; from the 13th week, a doctor must confirm that it is necessary for the
womans physical or psychological health to terminate the pregnancy. The cost of a
termination is covered by the basic health insurance.
In an emergency
Emergency treatment is covered by the basic health insurance and you can consult with
any doctor or hospital directly in an emergency, even if you have a restricted choice,
HMO or Telmed policy. You may be asked for your health insurance details even in an
emergency so keep them with you at all times.
There are emergency doctors services throughout the night and at weekends; call your
family doctor for the number.

For urgent medical treatment, go to the A&E or ER (Notaufnahme / d'urgence / pronto

soccors) of the nearest hospital; most public hospitals have 24-hour A&E departments.
For an ambulance, call 144, free of charge from any public phone. They will only take the
patient to hospital; relatives or friends will have to make their own way. Insurance will
cover 50 percent of the ambulance cost, though no more than CHF 500 per year if there is
no immediate danger to life, so you might want to take the patient to hospital by car or
public transport if they are well enough to travel this way.
Other useful numbers, free of charge, from any payphone:

112 general emergencies.

117 police.
1818 information service in German, French, Italian and English.
1414 Swiss Rescue.

Useful phrases

I need an ambulance! Ich brauche einen Krankenwagen!

I need a doctor Ich brauche einen Arzt.
Call an ambulance Appelez une ambulance!
I need a doctor Jai besoin dun mdicin.
Call an ambulance Chiamate un'ambulanza!
I need a doctor Ho bisogno di un medico.

For more information

Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), the Swiss national health authority.
Swiss Dental Association (SSO)