(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Nearly 130,000 Emiratis in Dubai were given access to a government-funded health insurance programme, Saa'da, last year after His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially launched the programme.
Saa'da The Saa'da health programme is under the supervision of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). For an Emirati to register for the programme, the following is a pre-requisite: . A valid Emirates identity card . A Family Book issued by the Emirate of Dubai . DHA patient ID number, if available An appointment can be booked through the Saa'da Mobile application or the Saa'da website, www.saada.ae. They can alternatively call 600569994 to book an appointment. Multiple primary healthcare centres of the authority have been allocated for the Saa'da enrollment process. Emiratis can use the Emirates ID card instead of a conventional insurance card to access benefits of Saa'da that offers a comprehensive mandatory preventive care programme and includes a host of benefits. Saa'da, which means happiness in Arabic, is for citizens who currently do not benefit from any government-funded health programmes in Dubai such as the Enaya insurance which covers all nationals working in the government sector. In addition to the health services that can be accessed through the Dubai Health Authority's (DHA) health centres, nationals - even those being currently provided insurance cover by private companies - can now opt for Saa'da and access services in 23 private hospitals and clinics with a co-payment of 10 per cent. The premium of each person enrolled in the system totals Dh500,000 annually. Dr Haidar Al Yousuf, director of health funding at the DHA, said that beneficiaries can receive a number of health services which will alleviate the financial burden on Emiratis. "This is a unique and a smart programme," said Dr Haider. Preventive care is at the crux of the scheme. "For example, if a diabetic enrolls in the programme, reminders are sent out for regular check-ups," he said. Thiqa The Thiqa programme is under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Government. In cooperation with the National Health Insurance Company (Daman), the government introduced this scheme in 2008. Through Thiqa, which is Arabic for "trust", Daman provides all nationals living in Abu Dhabi with a Thiqa card. The card gives access to a large number of private and public healthcare providers registered within Daman's network. It also includes broader geographical coverage and extra health benefits. Recently, the insurance plan was changed and all Emiratis and expatriates are now paying more for healthcare at private facilities though procedures at government hospitals remain unchanged. Under the new rules, Thiqa cardholders will now pay 20 per cent of the cost of treatment at private hospitals. Previously the plan fully covered the cost of all procedures at private health centres. However, cardholders continue to receive full coverage at all government hospitals in the emirate. Outside Abu Dhabi, Thiqa will cover 50 per cent of the cost of treatment. Earlier, 90 per cent was covered. The number of IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatments available to Emiratis at private hospitals have also been reduced from three to one per year. "If they do not follow the instructions and do not attend appointments, the card renewal due next year could be jeopardised," he added. The Enaya programme Enaya is the health insurance programme for the Government of Dubai employees and covers nearly 100,000 people. It is considered one of the most comprehensive health insurance packages available in Dubai, and it is the only one that incorporates such a large component of screening and preventive benefits. The programme covers government employees and their families for health services in both public and private facilities as well as in those outside Dubai. A report carried recently by the Arabic daily Emarat Al Youm said that white-collar employees will bear 10 to 20 per cent costs under the Enaya insurance scheme where they do not make any co-payments currently. This is similar to the Saa'da scheme, said the newspaper. The report quoted sources and said that the amendments will include costs to be borne by employees for specialties including eye screening, dental screening and similar treatments. "This will also apply to expatriates who work for government departments in the emirate," the report said. Asma Ali Zain Associated with KT for 15 years. Covers health issues, Pakistan community, human interest stories as well as general topics for daily news or features.