Month: July 2008
Foreigners visiting UAE must undergo medical check-ups for contagious diseases
Foreigners visiting UAE must undergo medical check-ups for contagious diseases WAM Published: July 01, 2008, 18:56
Dubai: Foreigners who come to the UAE to live, study or work for a period not less than six months will now have to undergo medical check-ups for some contagious diseases, like HIV/Aids, Hepatitis-b and leprosy.
Humaid Mohammad Al Qutami, Minister of Health, has issued a new ministerial decree making it compulsory for all expatriates coming to the UAE to live, study or work to undergo the medical tests.
In the case of Hepatitis-b test, the decree states that a foreigner who enters the UAE to live, study or work shall undergo the test in two phases, the first test will be conducted during the first entry into the country, but during the renewal of residence permit only six categories of expatriates will undergo the test. They include babysitters, maids, private drivers, kindergarten and nursery supervisors, barbers, beauty, health and fitness club employees and workers of all food outlets, including cooks and butchers.
The procedure for the second phase will be determined based on the result of the first phase, said the decree.
In the case of hepatitis-c test, the decree calls for more technical studies on the disease before a final decision would be taken. But the decree calls for syphilis and pulmonary tuberculosis test on foreigners during their first entry to the UAE. Those who tested positive can stay in the country, but must undergo the necessary medical treatment.
Leprosy test would be conducted on every expatriate who enters the country to live, study or work during the first entry and during renewal of residency. Those who tested positive would be deported in accordance with the rules.
Only the Preventive Medicine Department of the Ministry of Health, Abu Dhabi Health Authority and Dubai Health Authority will conduct the medical tests, said the decree.
Insurance for low-income expats
Insurance for low-income expats
By Dina El Shammaa, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 02, 2008, 00:08
Abu Dhabi: Expatriates earning a salary of Dh5,000 or less will now be eligible to enrol for the basic health insurance plan due to high inflation rates in the UAE, said an official from the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
The basic health insurance plan (BHIP) is subsidised by the government of Abu Dhabi for people with low monthly salaries. Up until June 1 more than 700,000 expatriates with a salary of Dh4,000 or less have been enrolled in the plan. Daman has more than a million health insurance members to date.
Under Law 23, the executive council of Abu Dhabi and HAAD agreed with the National Health Insurance Company (Daman) to keep the premium basic product stable at Dh600 for 2008. The employer bears all costs of the employee’s basic plan.
“Individuals and their dependents with incomes not exceeding Dh4,000 with housing or Dh5,000 without housing are now eligible for the health insurance plan,” said Gulam M. Teli, Director-Technical Division in Daman.
In the past, BHIP included individuals who earned less than Dh4,000. Those who earned an exact salary of Dh4,000 were not eligible.
Beneficial
According to Dr Philipp Vetter, Head of Strategy in HAAD, Daman is technically a third party administrator whose role is to provide the product and HAAD sets the products price, as well as supervise the healthcare services through an authorised network of healthcare providers.
“Our regulations are clear on this issue. First off, salary certificates must be submitted by the employer before enrolling in the basic plan. Anyone earning more than Dh5,000 will not be eligible for the plan.”
He added that there will be no exceptions, unless the HAAD Chairman, Dr Ahmad Al Mazroui, decides that an individual can be exempt.
“This can be done on individual basis only by our chairman,” said Vetter.
According to the law, the policy includes medication costs which cover a maximum of Dh1,500 for out-patient medication expenses and 30 per cent from the transaction. In case the transaction exceeds Dh500 the insured person is required to get previous permission from the insurance company.
They may liaise with an authorised insurance company to increase the upper limit by switching to an enhanced insurance policy, provided they pay the premium difference.
“This change will be beneficial for the segment of individuals who are earning between Dh4,000 to Dh5,000. They don’t have to pay the premium difference anymore, which for many people was pretty high,” said Teli.
Global accreditation
Five hospitals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi have been inspected and internationally accredited by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) in partnership with the Joint Commission International (JCI), announced HAAD.
So far a total of 14 hospitals across the UAE have been accredited by JCI. The JCI is a division of Joint Commission Resources (JCR), the not-for-profit affiliate of the Joint Commission and has been involved in the healthcare sector across the UAE since May 2006, with the mission of improving safety and quality of care.
HAAD’s partnership with JCI is an initiative to make sure licensure standards are applied in hospitals, ambulance care and continuum care.
“As the responsible authority for setting standards, inspection and licensing of health facilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, we are working to ensure standards developed and implemented are best practiced, meeting the benchmark of international health care quality,” said Zaid Al Siksek, Chief Executive Officer at HAAD.
Dr Philipp Vetter, Head of Strategy at HAAD, said it was important for healthcare facilities to be accredited for two main reasons. First, the accreditation process can help improve patient safety. Second, the accreditation is an indicator of quality, which helps patients chose between healthcare facilities.
Most companies sticking to midday break rule
Most companies sticking to midday break rule
By Wafa Issa, Fuad Ali and Nasouh Nazzal, Staff Reporters GULF NEWS Published: July 02, 2008, 00:08
Dubai/ Fujairah/Ras Al Khaimah: Ministry of Labour inspectors across the country went out two hours prior to the start of the midday break to spread awareness about the implementation of the rule while the majority of companies showed commitment on the first day of its enforcement.
Maher Al Oabed, head of the Inspection Unit at the ministry, said that the ministry’s main focus this year was to educate companies and workers on the rule.
Reduced
“We are hoping by going out earlier in the day the number of violations will be reduced this year,” said Al Oabed.
First implemented in 2005, the midday break rule orders that all outdoor work to be stopped from 12.30pm to 3pm during July and August.
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The majority of companies that did not take workers to their accommodation provided on-site shaded rest areas and some even provided fans.
“To have a fan in the rest place is very good because you really get refreshed after the break,” said an Indian worker.
However, some workers were spotted resting in an aluminum box in Dubai and labourers in Fujairah were spotted under the shade of a Portakabin at one of the sites as they sought refuge from the searing midday heat.
In Ras Al Khaimah Inspectors from the Labour Department yesterday registered 11 violations against companies for breaking the midday break rule.
Saeed Al Nuaimi, who heads the department, said that the labourers were found working during the banned hours of noon to 3pm and the inspectors registered the violations against the workers’ sponsoring companies.
Health Drive
Sun safety
As many as 250,000 labourers, working with 150 companies across the UAE, will benefit from an awareness campaign aimed at educating labourers about taking care of their health while working under the hot summer sun.
The Ministry of Labour (MoL) in association with the New Medical Centre (NMC) Group, is organising the campaign. Launched yesterday, the campaign complements the midday break rule. It focuses on educating labourers on simple and practical measures to avoid dehydration and illness.
A team of experts, including doctors from the NMC Hospital will visit labour accommodation. “Our agenda is to guide and educate the labourers for the sake of their health and well-being,” said Humaid Bin Deemas, undersecretary at the ministry.
The Ministry of Health has been asked to inform the MoL about any cases of heat-related illness or death, said Deemas.
– By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter
Ministry organises awareness campaign for labourers in UAE
Ministry organises awareness campaign for labourers in UAE
Staff Report GULF NEWS Published: July 01, 2008, 16:04
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Labour in association with New Medical Centre (NMC) is organising an awareness campaign for labourers across the UAE from Tuesday.
The campaign will focus on educating the labourers about taking care of their health while working under the hot summer sun.
Complementing the midday break rule that came into effect on Tuesday, the campaign will educate the labourers on simple and practical measures to avoid dehydration and illness. A team of experts, including doctors from the New Medical Centre (NMC) hospital, will visit labour camps for the purpose.
First implemented in 2005, the midday break rule mandates stopping of all outdoor work from 12.30pm to 4.30pm during July and August.
Death on roads ‘due to financial stress’
Death on roads ‘due to financial stress’
By Nasouh Nazzal,Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: July 02, 2008, 00:08
Ras Al Khaimah: The Traffic and Licensing Department has attributed the sharp increase in the number of deaths on the road in the first half of this year to rising prices and the burdens put on drivers.
The minds of drivers are preoccupied, considering many issues, the least of which is safe driving, a department official said.
Fifty people of different nationalities died in road accidents here in the first half of this year, registering a 47 per cent increase compared to the first half of the previous year where 34 people died in road accidents.
According to traffic statistics released yesterday by the Traffic and Licensing Department, 40 per cent of fatalities involved Emiratis, with 20 dying in road accident in the first half of this year, along with 30 others of various nationalities.
Colonel Hassan Al Braiki, the Deputy Director of the Traffic and Licensing Department said drivers’ minds were preoccupied with their responsibilities and domestic daily troubles.
He added that failure to focus on driving made them unaware of speed limits, traffic regulations and signs which could secure their safety and that of others. Colonel Al Braiki said the number of vehicles licensed and registered had sharply increased in Ras Al Khaimah and the current road infrastructure could not accommodate them. This has also contributed to the rise in road accidents.
The majority of fatalities on the road is due to the fact that motorists are preoccupied by thoughts about their responsibilities and domestic troubles.
Photo Speaks – Importance of Prayer Books
The other day, I received an email forward which was depicting the importance of our Prayer Books. I found it very interesting and sharing it with you all. While coming down to office, I happened to notice a car with it’s owner having the same ideology. A unique one. I thought I must give him some due credit.
Many times, we have seen, especially in India, dashboards and front panel of automobiles filled with several pictures and idols of gods. We see the same drivers swearing and cursing the fellow drivers and bullying each other small vehicle and pedestrians on their way. All this they are doing with one or more witness readily availabile in front and nearer to them.
What to say? Give our gods a break. Make a habit to pray during the regular prayer times and let your dedication to your family, work and society be your offerings. Do it diligently. Why not give it a try. The almighty god needs a break. He has been busy working for us all these years. Now, let him focus on someone else with more pressing problems.
Have a great day ahead.
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CELL PHONE vs. Prayer Book
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Prayer Books like we treat our cellphone?
> What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
> What if we flipped through it several time a day?
> What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
> What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
> What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?
> What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
> What if we used it when we traveled?
> What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go…..hmm.. .where is my Prayer Books? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don’t have to worry about our Prayer Book being disconnected because God already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think ‘where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
ESSENCE OF OUR RELIGIOUS BOOKS AND PRAYERS
> Whatever has happened, has happened for good.
> Whatever is happening is happening for good.
> Whatever is going to happen, it will be for good.
> What have you lost for which you cry?
> What did you bring with you, which you have lost?
> What did you produce, which has destroyed?
> You did not bring anything when you were born.
> Whatever you have, you have received from Him.
> Whatever you will give, you will give to Him.
> You came empty handed and you will go the same way.
> Whatever is yours today was somebody else’s
> Yesterday and will be somebody else’s tomorrow.
SO WHY WORRY UNNECESSARILY?
…….Change is the law of the universe…..
Mid-day respite for workers from today
Mid-day respite for workers from today
By Riyasbabu and Ahmed Abdul Aziz (Our staff reporters)KHALEEJ TIMES 1 July 2008
DUBAI/ABU DHABI — Beginning today, the Ministry of Labour (MoL) will enforce the mid-day break rule for labourers, banning outdoor work between 12.30pm and 3pm daily during the months of July and August.
However, this year, work at construction sites, where concrete mix pouring is being done (which needs non-stop work for 10 hours), electricity and water maintenance in buildings, and other light activities under shade at workshops, will be allowed during the break time, the MoL yesterday clarified.
The mid-day break will also not stop work in emergencies on roads or disasters as well as at oil and petroleum companies.
Humaid bin Deemas, Acting Under-Secretary of the MoL, told Khaleej Times yesterday that the employers who are exempted from the mid-day break must establish shades and provide umbrellas, cold drinking water, lemon juices, salt capsules, and first aid mobile clinics to workers.
“All the companies in the country are aware about the rule that comes into effect July 1,” he said.
The rule is aimed at providing respite to construction workers from the scorching sun and high humidity during the peak summer months.
The MoL started implementing the mid-day break rule since 2005 as part of its commitment to ensuring the health and safety of workers.
According to the law, companies violating the rule for the first time will be fined Dh10,000 and their status will be transferred to ‘C’ category for three months and all of their new visa applications would be blocked.
If a company is found violating the law for the second time, a fine of Dh20,000 will be slapped and its status will be downgraded for six months.
If the company violates the law the third time, the fine will be Dh30,000 and its work licence will be suspended for one year.
New medical tests from today
New medical tests from today
By Asma Ali Zain (Our staff reporter) KHALEEJ TIMES 1 July 2008
DUBAI — Effective today, expatriates will have to undergo a new set of medical fitness screening tests before acquiring their residency or employment visas.
According to the new Government Federal Law No 7/2008, people renewing/applying for a residence or employment visa will have to undergo a number of medical fitness screenings for diseases including HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Tuberculosis and Syphilis. Two more tests —Hepatitis C and Syphilis — have been added to the existing three for which expatriates were already being screened before being granted a residency or employment visa.
Though the X-ray and blood tests were already being conducted, two more screening methods have also been added that include the urine and stool tests. Vaccination for Hepatitis B has also been made compulsory.
However, if a person is found unfit and suffering from any of these diseases, he/she is likely to be deported. The decision applies to the Ministry of Health, and the health authorities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Maitha Al Bustani, Head of the Medical Fitness Centre at the Department of Health and Medical Services (Dohms), said that the new rules come into effect starting July 1. “According to the decision taken by the Minister of Health Humaid Al Quttami, the rules are being implemented on a trial basis for three months, and may be subject to change in the coming months,” she explained.
A group of professionals who are especially under the scanner include food handlers, nannies, housemaids, educators/teachers, and people who work in restaurants and heath fields due to the sensitivity of their profession.
“If housemaids are found to be disease-carriers, it’s the decision of the sponsor either to send them back or get them treated,” she added.
A new fee structure for the screenings is also in place. All residents will either be required to hold a health card that will cost Dh300 -a fee that remains unchanged- or a valid health insurance policy.
Tests for HIV, TB, and Hepatitis B & C will be carried out for Dh250, while Dh50 each will be charged for stool and urine tests, and only for the first dose of the Hepatitis vaccine. The other two required doses will be administered free of charge over a period of six months.
“If the resident does not hold a health card and has a valid health insurance policy, Dohms will charge Dh200 to attest the insurance before the screenings are done,” she explained.
Midday break rule takes effect on Tuesday
Midday break rule takes effect on Tuesday
By Wafa Issa, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: June 30, 2008, 23:37
Dubai: Workers hope that this year the midday break, which takes effect from Tuesday, will offer respite from the soaring heat as they have been promised shaded areas.
Ebrahim Abdul Al Mona’m, an Egyptian worker, said that this year his company will provide a cool room which he and his coworkers can rest in during the midday break.
“It is good that we can rest in a cool room especially as the midday break makes our day longer as we have to compensate for the three hours in the evening,” he said.
The Ministry of Labour has warned that companies that do not provide a shaded rest area for their workers on site during the midday break will be penalised.
Last year workers complained that they did not have an appropriate place to rest.
Gopal Krishnan, an Indian worker, said that to have a shaded place to rest in during the day would protect the workers from heatstroke.
“It is really hard to work during midday but it is also hard to sit outside without shade but this year things will be different if the company provide a shaded place to rest in,” he said.
While many workers were well aware of the break, others were not sure if it would be implemented this year.
Jibu, an Indian worker, did not know if the midday break was to be implemented this year.
“I know that there was a break last year but this year so far nobody has said anything, if the engineer tells us to stop work tomorrow we will stop otherwise we will continue to work as usual,” he said.
Shajalal, a Bangladeshi worker, said that he did not know of any break.
Spreading awareness on the importance of the midday break will be the main priority for the Ministry of Labour this year, said a senior official.
Humaid Bin Deemas, Acting assistant undersecretary at the ministry, said in a statement, that to guide and educate companies on the importance of the midday break would be the main priority for this year.
Companies across the country have pledged to adhere to the decision although some say the ministry should play a bigger role in educating workers.
Ammar Touqan, Public Relation Manager at Arabtec which has some 40,000 workers, said they are providing the necessary requirements as per the rule but said that the ministry should play a bigger role in educating workers.
Stephen Wyngaard, Safety Department Manager at Al Shafar General Contracting, which has 13 sites and more than 14,000 workers said they had set up rest places at all their sites.
Wissam Ajjaoni, a site manager at Terna SA Engineering, said they had prepared a cool basement for workers to rest in.
Heatstroke cases down
The midday break rule was first implemented in 2005 as per a ministerial decision that stipulated all outdoor work should come to a halt between 12.30 and 4.30pm during the hottest months of July and August.
In the following year the break was reduced by one and half hours but the Ministry of Labour cracked down hard on companies that did not abide by the rule. Since 2006 the break has been fixed between 12.30 to 3pm.
The aim of the decision is to protect workers from the soaring heat of the hottest period of the day in July and August. Heat exhaustion cases have dropped significantly since the implementation of the decision.
While there was an average of 5,000 cases a month in 2004, the cases dropped to 1,500 in 2005. Cases dropped to a record low last year where only 82 cases and two deaths were registered, according to previous Gulf News reports.
Penalty
More than 1,200 companies violated the edict on midday breaks in 2005. The number has declined since then with the ministry’s Inspection Unit reporting 862 violations in 2006 and 617 in 2007.
Firms found violating the rule for the first time will face a fine of Dh10,000, and transactions will be suspended for three months. Firms in category C will have their transactions suspended for six months.
Second time violators will face a fine of Dh20,000 and have their category downgraded to C as well as have their transactions suspended for six months.
If firms are found violating for the third time, a fine of Dh30,000 will be levied and the company will be downgraded to C and transactions will be stopped for one year.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum spurs UAE
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, led the UAE riders to win 120-km first European Endurance championship at Houston Park district in Britain. – Wam
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum spurs UAE
By Hisham Al Gizouli for KHALEEJ TIMES 30 June 2008
DUBAI – His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, led the UAE riders to their first seasonal European endurance title in Britain.
The race comes as part of the preparations of the national team for the World Championship scheduled to be held in Malaysia during the month of November.
Riders from France, Britain, Australia and the UAE took part in the competition which extended over 120 kilometres in relatively favourable weather conditions.
The three-member squad joined hands before they crossed the finish line ahead of the others.
Shaikh Rashid Dalmook bin Jumaa Al Maktoum and Abdullah Saeed were the other two members of the winning team.
According to the race reports, Shaikh Mohammed showed the way right from the start, followed by Shaikh Rashid Dalmook in the first 36km loop which they covered in 1:55:11 seconds at an average speed of 19,07/hr.
Shaikh Mohammed continued to set the pace in the second and third stages before the UAE riders dominated the field and went clear to cross the finish line in 3:31:28 seconds.
Sultan bin Sulayem was crowned champion of the 160km endurance ride which was held in the same venue.
Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed who started as hot favourite to win the ride, pulled out after the third loop to protect his horse.
The UAE rider and trainer Mubarak bin Shafiya said they were quite satisfied with the strong performance of the UAE riders.
Saeed Al Tayer, vice-chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club said it was great to see the UAE riders winning two races at the same time in one day.
“UAE riders are the true champions of the world,” he said
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