If you are thinking of setting up a healthcare business or practice in Dubai, it is crucial to acquire a DHA license. The DHA is the regulatory and supervisory body of all the healthcare activities that take place in Dubai. If you are a doctor, dentist, a pharmacist or even running a health facility, you require a DHA license to practice in the city. This blog will explain the steps, procedures, and costs that are associated with the DHA license in Dubai.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) grants a license to certain facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, allowing them to operate legally in the region.
The DHA license is a legal requirement for any healthcare professional or facility to practice and offer health care services in Dubai. This license helps to ensure that healthcare providers are compliant with the DHA’s standards for patient safety. It applies to all the healthcare industries, such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, dental practices, and other medical facilities.
The Dubai Health Authority issues the DHA license, overseeing the healthcare sector in Dubai. It makes sure that the healthcare facilities are running in compliance with the set standards and delivering quality health care services to the people of Dubai.
Why Do You Need a DHA License?
You need a DHA license for several reasons. The following are some of the reasons why healthcare professionals and businesses should acquire a DHA license:
Legal Requirement: The DHA license is mandatory for anyone who wants to practice a healthcare business or practice in Dubai. It is mandatory to have it in order to practice healthcare services.
Quality assurance: The DHA sets standards that healthcare facilities must meet regarding quality of care, hygiene, and safety. These standards protect patients and ensure the quality of the services provided.
Trust and credibility: In today’s world, people tend to trust anything sanctioned by the DHA, so having a DHA license boosts the credibility of your practice or healthcare facility. It informs the patients that your business is legal and professional in its operations and services.
Wider Client Base: Insurance companies, businesses, and government entities only accept healthcare providers with a license from the DHA. This license means that the company has access to a wider market and more business prospects.
DHA License Requirements
However, there are some conditions that must be fulfilled in order to get a DHA license in Dubai. The requirements may also depend on the type of healthcare business or professional that you are. However, some general requirements include:
Regularity and experience: Carriers must have proper education in the healthcare field and relevant work experience in the corresponding specialty. For example, doctors must hold a recognized medical degree and a valid medical license from their home country or any other competent authority.
Professional License: Any healthcare professional including doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists among others must have a valid professional license from a recognized body or authority.
Physical and Operational Standards: Healthcare facilities like clinics and hospitals must meet some physical and operational standards as prescribed by the DHA. This entails having the right equipment, personnel, cleanliness, and safety standards in the health facility.
Health insurance: The healthcare providers and the employees must have health insurance coverage. This ensures that healthcare professionals are also supported if they get involved in an accident or any other related mishap.
Business Setup: In the case of clinics or pharmacies, one has to incorporate a legal entity in Dubai. This could be in the form of a limited liability company (LLC) or a sole establishment.
Financial appraisal: From the documents submitted, the applicant needs to ensure that he/she meets the necessary financial requirements in running a practice or a healthcare facility. This could take the form of requesting account statements or any other form of document that shows the client or customer’s financial status.
Legal Compliance: The healthcare professional or the facility must be legally compliant with the law without any criminal background or past malpractice.
DHA License Application Process
The steps involved in the process of applying for a DHA license are as follows: The process of obtaining a license may differ depending on the type of license, but the following are the common steps:
- Complete the Application Form
The first step is to complete the application form, which is available on the DHA website. This form will require information like your personal information, your qualifications, your work experience, and the type of license you want to apply for. Make sure that all the information provided is correct and updated.
- Submit Required Documents
After the application form is filled out, the applicant will be required to attach other documents. When applying for a healthcare facility license, you’ll need to submit documents including your professional qualifications, work experience, and identification. A copy of your passport will also be required. Additionally, you must provide details on the business structure and compliance of the facility.
- Pass the DHA Exam or Evaluation
Healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, may need to take an exam or assessment by the DHA. The assessment could be written, practical, or an interview. The format depends on the healthcare profession.
- Pay the Application Fees
The next step is to pay the application fees after you have provided all the necessary documents. The fees differ depending on the type of license and the healthcare profession of the applicant. The payment can be made online through the DHA portal, where one can pay through their credit card.
- Wait for Approval
Once you complete all procedures, the DHA will assess your application and documents. If everything meets the requirements, you will receive a DHA license. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the type of application.
- Receive Your DHA License
Once your application is granted, you will be issued with a DHA license. This license will be valid for a certain period, and you will have to renew it from time to time in order to be legal.
DHA License Costs
The fees for the DHA license differ depending on the type of license, whether it is for an individual or a health care facility, the profession, and the validity of the license. The application fees vary from AED 1,000 to AED 5,000 for healthcare professionals. For the healthcare facilities, the fees can be higher, which may range from AED 10,000 to AED 30,000.
Other costs may include exam fees, facility inspection fees, and the cost of submitting other documents or certificates.
DHA License Renewal
The DHA license is valid for a certain period, which can be one or two years at most. When the license expires, you will need to renew it to continue practicing or carrying out business activities. The renewal process is almost the same as the first application, but it may be less document-intensive.
Authorities usually charge cheaper renewal fees compared to the initial application fees.
Conclusion
It is important for healthcare professionals and companies that want to practice in Dubai to acquire a DHA license. It involves fulfilling some conditions, providing some documents, and paying the application fees. The DHA license legalizes your healthcare practice and builds client trust. It’s mandatory for healthcare professionals and facilities to have this license to operate in Dubai’s healthcare sector.
By following these steps, you can successfully complete your application and focus on providing quality care to your patients.