UAE health ministry to issue, renew health cards in 7 minutes

In order to expedite the renewal and issuance of health cards, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has put into place a system that can ensure their readiness in just seven minutes.

A spokesman from the ministry stated that the network of 23 health facilities in six emirates, which includes 10 hospitals, currently provides the health card facilities.

Those who wish to apply for a new health card in this short span of time now need to complete the formalities, submit the applications through the smart service at a typing center or through the electronic service for individual users, service provision centers in health registration centers, or companies registered in the system. The four categories available are -- citizen, GCC, expatriate, and people of determination.

This service aims to save an applicant's time and effort to make health registration transactions and alleviate the pressure on health registration departments in medical districts.

Emirati citizens and GCC citizens and residents are entitled to take advantage of this service, which is also available via MoHAP e-services or typing centers, ratified under the Cabinet Resolution No. 18 of 2013, which links the provision of health services to the health card.

Under MoHAP's Health Registration Department this service enables health cardholders to obtain medical services at any of MoHAP's health facilities.

Extended to people of determination, it entitles this category a free-of-charge service through health registration outlets in medical areas once they have attached the necessary documents that include a medical report issued and approved by a government hospital, a valid passport, ID and a residence permit.

These initiatives are integral to the ministry's keenness to provide health care services to people of determination in a simple and easy way, commensurate with their circumstances and thereby facilitating their integration into society.

It may be recalled that the issuance of a health card is linked to a valid ID which may replace the health card. The card validity for Emiratis and GCC citizens is four years and one-year renewable for non-citizens.