MoH reviews decision on medical test

MoH reviews decision on medical test
By Asma Ali Zain (Our staff reporter)KHALEEJ TIMES 2 July 2008

DUBAI -Following intense discussions, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has reviewed its decision on including the infectious disease, Hepatitis C, in the new set of medical fitness tests required by expatriates taking up study, residency or employment in the UAE. Leprosy was, however, included in the list of tests.

In a ministerial decree issued by the Minister of Health Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qutami yesterday, the MoH officials cited the need for more technical studies on inclusion of Hepatitis C before a final decision was taken.

However, MoH sources said the decision was deferred due to logistic reasons, including the huge number of infected people willing to enter the country, especially from the Indian subcontinent.

The decree also calls for treating expats for syphilis and TB instead of the earlier policy of deporting them. The deportable disease list now only includes HIV/AIDS.

As reported by Khaleej Times yesterday, expats will have to undergo a urine and stool test for certain professional categories, including nannies, maid servants, private drivers, kindergarten and nursery supervisors, workers in saloons, beauty, health and fitness clubs, and in all food outlets, including cooks and butchers.

However, MoH sources said a decision to include university students in this category was also being mulled.

Vaccination for Hepatitis B has also been made compulsory.

All residents will either be required to hold a health card that will cost Dh300 -a fee that remains unchanged -or a valid health insurance policy.

Tests for HIV, TB, and Hepatitis B will be carried out for Dh250, while Dh50 each will be charged for stool and urine tests, and only for the first dose of the Hepatitis vaccine. The other two required doses will be administered free of charge over a period of six months.

If the resident does not hold a health card and has a valid health insurance policy, Dohms will charge Dh200 to attest the insurance before the screenings are done.