Are clinics hiding HIV test results?

Some private clinics and labs in Dubai are concealing HIV positive cases from the authorities. This is in violation of federal laws that call for immediate notification and deportation of the infected expatriates, a Khaleej Times investigation has found.

The notification of key communicable diseases like HIV/Aids, hepatitis B, TB and syphilis is mandated as per the health regulations in the UAE. Federal laws here stipulate that expatriates infected with these diseases, except syphilis, must be deported.

Head of Preventive Medicine Services, Primary Health Care at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Dr Fatma Al Attar said as per the federal law, it is mandatory for all health facilities in Dubai to notify the DHA through an online system if they come across an infectious disease case.

“We keep a strict check on the facilities by checking their registers and by performing onsite surveillance,” she added.

The Khaleej Times investigation found that some clinics and laboratories specialised in testing and treating Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) were violating these rules by providing step-in patients their reports over the Net.

One STD clinic said it is taking Dh500 for testing HIV, hepatitis and syphilis and the result will be conveyed through phone or email.

“The report will be confidential and we will give it in one day,” said a staff member when this reporter enquired about the service, pretending to be a potential patient.

The staff repeatedly said the clinic would not inform any authority, neither the DHA nor the immigration or labour departments, if the test result is positive. “We are not even taking your ID. So, don’t worry.”

The service can be availed by any person wanting to check the infectious disease status even when there are no symptoms. It is learnt that the clinic has been encouraging people to go for the test as a premarital test or after a risky exposure. Usually, expatriates do this test as it is mandatory for stamping new visas and for renewals.

The clinic, that is running at least five websites, is offering a toll free hotline for its patients and is promising “discreet service to those in distress”. Never crowded, non judgmental staff and assured privacy are some of the highlights advertised on the sites. HIV testing is “convenient and confidential” and prior appointment is not necessary.

“We have arrangements with most reliable laboratories in Dubai to take care of your investigation requirements. We will collect the samples (blood, urine, semen etc.) at our centre, arrange them to be sent to the lab and get the results for you,” said its full-fledged website.

“We don’t inform the result to anyone else. This is our policy,” said the front office staff who answered the call at another facility that also promises prompt and confidential delivery of results.

“I’m confirming that to you. No need to double check,” she said when the reporter requested her to verify the requirement of notification of positive cases with doctors.

“Since it is our management office, we need your name, mobile number and email ID. We will contact you to fix an appointment at our test centre,” she added.

At a third facility, the staff did recheck with a colleague about the notification system. “We will not notify the positive result automatically to the DHA,” she said. “If the first test is positive, we will do a PCR test for confirmation. After that you can meet our doctor and discuss further about the notification if you are positive.” The facility is offering many preliminary and confirmative tests for HIV, including early detection screen 10 days post exposure.

A section of the doctors say such confidential tests encourage those suspected of having contracted the infections while living in the country and it speeds up their taking immediate curative and preventive measures when they find that they are infected. According to some international studies, more than half of HIV patients spread the infection because they are unaware of their condition.

These doctors also point out that STDs are spread not only by sexual contact with infected persons but also through skin to skin contact and sharing needles or beauty tools as well.

In October 2011, the UAE made pre-emigration tests for HIV/Aids, TB and hepatitis B mandatory for expatriate workers from Indonesia and Sri Lanka at approved centres in their homeland when they apply for a visa to live or work in the UAE. These tests will be made mandatory in more countries supplying labour force to the UAE at later phases.

sajila@khaleejtimes.com