‘Doctor for every citizen’ smart initiative launched in UAE

UAE citizens can now avail telemedicine services from the comfort of their homes. 
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) launched the 'Doctor for Every Citizen' smart initiative on December 17, allowing Emiratis to remotely consult a physician and access medical services. 

A telehealth consultation leads to an initial diagnosis, followed by a telemedicine prescription, allowing citizens to access medical help anytime, anywhere.  
This smart initiative is aimed at facilitating the best possible level of remote clinical healthcare through apps, calls and video-conferences. 

• Citizens and residents can download the DHA mobile app and sign up.  
• Appointments can be booked by contacting the 'Doctor for Every Citizen' centre or a DHA toll-free number. 
• Check-ups can be through video-call or voice-call. 
• During the consultation, the doctor will be able to see the patient's file, history and investigation results via DHA and can prescribe medications.

Under the new service, Emiratis will be able to have 24/7 access to hundreds of doctors, specialists and consultants through smart government applications. 
Currently, telehealth consultation is available only for the family medicine specialty and does not include emergency care. 

DHA signed three MoUs with Kings College Hospital in Dubai, Al Zahra Hospital Dubai and Medcare Hospital to support the implementation of Article Five of the Fifty-Year Charter—“A Doctor for every citizen”. Photo Courtesy: DHA Twitter

In the first phase, it will include consultation for diabetes, allergies, hypertension and dermatological issues, as these are the most common health concerns. 
In the second phase it plans to broaden the spectrum and get more doctors on board with the help of Internet of Things (IoT).

The Doctor for Every Citizen initiative has trained about 50 physicians from government and private hospitals on how to and what to provide through telemedicine services.  
It covers e-consultation, initial diagnosis, e-prescription for certain conditions and e-requests for tests sent to labs through online registration, before referring patients to specialised centres where required. 

In conjunction with the theme for 2020, the 'Doctor for Every Citizen' initiative aims to be a stepping stone towards building a first-class health model to fulfil Article 5 of UAE’s 50 year Charter.