Either you are a local, or maybe you have moved as an ex-pat or maybe you are just visiting Dubai, chances are that your health or your family’s health may be at risk. Accidents can happen regardless of the place you are currently at so seeking medical advice is crucial and should be sought as soon as possible.
Once you find yourself at risk or you need medical assistance in Dubai is good to know that the number you should dial is 998.
Rest assured that your well being and health will be well taken care of in one of 38 hospitals available in Dubai ( 4 public, 32 private, 20 are JCI)
This being said let’s dive deeper into the medical and healthcare structure in Dubai.
Dubai has both, state/public medical care and private healthcare medical services. The community facilities are run by the Dubai Health Authority DHA.
In the public system, there are four hospital facilities you should have in mind: Dubai, Rashid, Latifa, and Hatta.
Each of the hospitals is specialized on a medical specialty as follows:
Dubai Hospital: the hospital’s emergency focuses on ENT related cases. Ophthalmology and urology sections are also the main specializations.
Rashid Hospital: Is home to the trauma center therefore any ambulances coming from crash sites will end up here. Any cervical case is also treated here.
Latifa Women and Children Hospital: For pediatric urgent care this is the best place to visit. Also here any obstetrics and gynecology cases are handled. Have in mind for children the age should be up to 12 years to qualify for care in this hospital in the pediatric unit.
Hatta Hospital: The newest addition to the public care sector, the unit is a multidisciplinary unit therefore servers as the main point for all sorts of patients coming from nearby villages.
The public medical centers will treat residents for free but any patient without health insurance in UAE will have to pay upfront. As a heads up, a consultation with a specialist is around 200 Dhs
There are also public clinics also providing round the clock health care in Dubai: Nadd al Hamar and Barsha Clinic.
If you are prepared to pay for your medical care you might as well opt for a private practice or hospital in Dubai. The most known and well-prepared facilities are:
Al Garhoud Private Hospital and
All of these hospitals are well equipped and ready to solve your medical urgent need. According to the world ranking, the American Hospital is the best private option.
If your need is not very urgent you can also choose a clinic. they are usually smaller than hospitals and the patients coming are less sick and do not require overnight medical care.
If you are just looking for a prescription or over the counter medicine, you can feel lucky as Dubai has more than 2000 private pharmacies.
Your regular flu, cold, and allergy medication are easily available even in supermarkets, and some antibiotics do not need a prescription. But have in mind that antidepressants, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers are completely banned in Dubai.
Just enjoy your holiday and rest assured that in case of a health emergency Dubai is a safe, capable place to seek medical attention.