In a statement, the DHA said that under Basmah, an initiative of the DHA’s Health Funding Department, the basic benefit plan of the Dubai Mandatory Health Insurance Scheme now covers screening as well as treatment of breast, colorectal and cervical cancer. Screening is strictly in accordance with international screening criteria.

All Dubai visa holders who automatically by law have the mandatory health insurance cover now are eligible for the screening and treatment.

Mr Humaid Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the DHA, said: “In line with the Vision 2021 plan, this initiative will help in early diagnosis as screening is now a part of the basic benefit plan. Additionally, we will be able to provide financial and emotional support to patients suffering from these three types of cancer. This is possible because of the support of our partners, both government and private. Our aim is to provide the highest level of quality care for patients and to support them the best we can.”

Dr Haidar Al Yousuf, Director of Health Funding, said: “This is a milestone in terms of health insurance coverage and we have redefined health insurance through this initiative. Prior to this scheme, cancer coverage under the mandatory health insurance scheme as part of the basic benefit plan was limited to AED150,000 (US$40,800). Now, that is no longer the case. Under the scheme, those detected with breast, colorectal or cervical cancer will receive coverage from screening until treatment.

“If a patient is detected with any of the three cancers during this screening, the DHA Patient Tracking and Follow-Up Centre is automatically notified. They then ensure that the complete treatment process for the patient is smooth and streamlined.”

Dr Al Yousuf explained that this is possible because the healthcare fraternity has come together to ensure the economies of scale to support the initiative.

Prior to this, the Health Funding Department recently added screening services for diabetes, heart disease, new born and developmental screening as part of the mandatory health insurance cover. Dubai introduced its mandatory health insurance scheme in 2014.