Patient Comes First In Emergencies, Not Insurance Approvals: UAE Health Minister

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Emergency medical treatment in the UAE must not be delayed by insurance approvals, with doctors and hospitals legally required to prioritise saving lives over administrative procedures, the Minister of Health and Prevention Ahmed Al Sayegh told the Federal National Council (FNC) on Wednesday.

Responding to a question from FNC member Naama Abdullah Al Sharhan on delays in treating critical cases, Al Sayegh said rapid medical response is a national priority, particularly in life-threatening situations such as heart attacks, severe trauma and strokes.

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He stressed that existing laws and regulations require healthcare providers to intervene immediately, without waiting for insurance authorisation, adding that patient safety takes precedence over all administrative processes.“The patient comes first, then the procedures,” the minister said, noting that any shortcomings or delays are addressed urgently by the relevant authorities.

Al Sayegh said the ministry continues to develop regulatory and operational measures to ensure insurance procedures do not obstruct urgent care, reaffirming that neither doctors nor hospitals are permitted to delay emergency treatment while awaiting insurance confirmation. He added that the ministry is prepared to follow up on any reported cases where delays may have occurred.

** Concerns raised from the field**

Al Sharhan said that while the UAE has made significant progress in healthcare coverage, real-world challenges persist, particularly in intensive care and emergency settings where minutes can mean the difference between life and death. She pointed to cases where medical decisions intersect with insurance procedures, creating potential gaps in care during critical moments, and called for continued emphasis on the humanitarian aspect of healthcare delivery.

The minister reiterated that patient protection is enshrined in law and supported by oversight mechanisms, stressing that emergency care must always be delivered immediately, regardless of insurance status. The discussion forms part of broader FNC scrutiny of healthcare policy, with members continuing to raise issues related to access, efficiency and patient rights within the national health system.

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