The UAE Government has issued revised guidelines and fines to regulate healthcare practices in the country.
Healthcare workers that practice without a licence or submit false documents, will face imprisonment and fines of Dhs 50,000 to Dhs 100,000. Additionally, health centres, where one person operates it, will be closed.
Professionals that practice without a licence but meet the requirements to obtain one will face fines of Dhs 10,000 to Dhs 100,000.
To qualify for a licence, healthcare professionals need to have a bachelor's degree or a health professional qualification, recognised in the country.
Private healthcare centres that are found violating the law will face fines of Dhs 1,000 to Dhs 1 million, or temporary closure of part or the whole facility for a period not exceeding six months.
Healthcare professionals are also not allowed to sell or promote medicines and samples to patients, or advice them to buy medications from a specific pharmacy.
A national medical register will be established at the Ministry of Health and Prevention for licenced professionals. Health centres are required to create one internally and link it to the national medical register.
Changes to the law have also been made to the duration of experience required for Emirati veterinarians and recent graduates, to obtain a licence.
A national register for veterinarians, practitioners and assistants practicing in the country will also be established by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.