Telemedicine has become an increasingly popular way to deliver healthcare services remotely through technology. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to virtual care, as it allows for social distancing and reduces the risk of transmission of the virus. This has led to an increase in the adoption of telemedicine in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With this increased adoption of telemedicine, it is essential to understand the regulatory landscape in the UAE and the MENA region to ensure that telemedicine is implemented in a safe and effective manner.

Usage of telemedicine in the UAE and other MENA countries

In the United Arab Emirates, a study conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in 2019 found that telemedicine consultations increased by over 300% between 2016 and 2018. According to the study, the majority of telemedicine consultations were for chronic disease management, such as diabetes and hypertension. The DHA also reported that telemedicine consultations resulted in a significant reduction in hospitalization rates for patients with chronic diseases.

A recent survey conducted by the telemedicine provider Medicoop in 2020, revealed that 70% of the surveyed doctors in the UAE are satisfied with the use of telemedicine during the pandemic, while 94% of the patients reported satisfaction with telemedicine consultations.

In Saudi Arabia, telemedicine usage has also seen a significant increase, A study by AlRiyadh newspaper in 2020, revealed that the number of telemedicine consultations in the Kingdom has reached 10,000 per day and the Ministry of Health (MOH) has opened a specialized clinic for telemedicine consultations.

In Egypt, Telemedicine has been adopted and integrated in the healthcare system to a lesser extent. According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, only 4% of the surveyed healthcare professionals in Egypt reported having used telemedicine to provide care to their patients, however, the number has been increasing since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Telemedicine regulations in the UAE

Role of MOHAP and DHA in regulating telemedicine

In the United Arab Emirates, telemedicine is regulated by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

• The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) plays a key role in setting the overall telemedicine regulations for the country. The MOHAP has issued guidelines for telemedicine, which include the requirement for doctors to have a valid medical license and adhere to the same standards of care as in-person consultations. These guidelines are designed to ensure that telemedicine is implemented in a safe and effective manner, and that patients are protected from any potential risks associated with virtual consultations.
• The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) plays a more operational role in implementing telemedicine regulations. It has established a telemedicine center to provide virtual consultations for patients. Additionally, the DHA has issued a circular outlining the guidelines for telemedicine, which includes the requirement for a secure and confidential mode of communication, as well as the requirement for doctors to obtain informed consent from patients before conducting virtual consultations.

The DHA and MOHAP work together to ensure that telemedicine is implemented in a safe and effective manner and the guidelines are followed by healthcare providers in the UAE. By issuing regulations, implementing guidelines, and monitoring compliance with regulations, DHA and MOHAP help to protect patients and ensure that telemedicine is used to improve healthcare outcomes.

Requirements for doctors and standards of care

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), telemedicine regulations require doctors to have a valid medical license and adhere to the same standards of care as in-person consultations. These requirements are established by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to ensure that patients receive high-quality care and that healthcare providers are held accountable to the same standards of care as in-person consultations.

• Medical license: To provide telemedicine consultations in the UAE, doctors must hold a valid medical license issued by the MOHAP. This ensures that doctors are properly qualified and trained to provide medical care.
• Adherence to standards of care: Telemedicine regulations require that doctors adhere to the same standards of care as in-person consultations. This means that doctors are held to the same level of professional competence and ethical standards as they would be when providing care in person.
• Informed consent: Before conducting virtual consultations, doctors are required to obtain informed consent from patients. This includes providing patients with information about the telemedicine consultation, the benefits and risks, and alternatives to telemedicine.
• Confidentiality and security: Telemedicine regulations require that doctors use secure and confidential mode of communication, such as encryption, to protect patient information and to ensure the trust of patients.
• Continuing medical education: Telemedicine regulations may require that doctors complete continuing medical education on the use of telemedicine to stay updated with the technology advancements and best practices in the field.

In summary, these requirements for doctors in the UAE are established to ensure that patients receive high-quality care, and that healthcare providers are held accountable to the same standards of care as in-person consultations. This helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients, and the quality of the telemedicine service provided.

Read more for the complete guide: https://www.dha.gov.ae/en/uploads/112021/74c7d6c7-7128-4b51-ae89-fe2f85d68da6.pdf

Reimbursement for telemedicine consultations

DHA announced that telemedicine consultations will be reimbursed at the same rate as in-person consultations, this ensures access to telemedicine services and doctors are incentivized to provide virtual care.

Telemedicine regulations in other MENA countries

• Saudi Arabia: guidelines for telemedicine and reimbursement policies: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued guidelines for telemedicine, which require doctors to have a valid medical license and adhere to the same standards of care as in-person consultations. However, there is currently no reimbursement for telemedicine consultations.

• Qatar: telemedicine program established by the SCH, limited information on regulations: The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has established a telemedicine program, but there is limited information available on the regulations governing telemedicine in the country.

• Egypt: regulations issued by the Ministry of Health and Population, telemedicine center established, reimbursement available: The Ministry of Health and Population has issued a directive for the use of telemedicine, which includes the requirement for doctors to have a valid medical license, adhere to the same standards of care as in-person consultations, and obtain informed consent from patients before conducting virtual consultations. In addition, the Ministry has established a telemedicine center to provide virtual consultations for patients. Reimbursement for telemedicine consultations is also available.

While the UAE and other MENA countries have taken steps to regulate telemedicine and ensure that it is implemented in a safe and effective manner, regulations and reimbursement policies vary across the region. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the regulations in their country to ensure compliance and provide high-quality care to patients through telemedicine.

The increased adoption of telemedicine has led to the introduction of regulations that aim to protect the safety and rights of patients while still providing them with the best medical care in an efficient manner. However, more work is needed to be done in terms of reimbursement and standardization of regulations in the region. Telemedicine has a great potential to improve healthcare delivery and access to it for patients. With the right regulations and reimbursement policies in place, telemedicine can be a valuable tool in the delivery of healthcare services.

Sources & Notes