UAE Ramps Up Healthcare Regulations: Dh1 million Fine for Unlicensed Practitioners and Facilities

The UAE Government has established stringent regulations governing the healthcare profession, with penalties reaching as high as Dh1 million. Individuals who indulge in the practice without a valid license or attempt to obtain one using fake documentation may face imprisonment and incur fines ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh100,000. In addition to that, healthcare facilities functioning exclusively under the control of a single individual may be subject to closure.

The law governs the practice of various healthcare professions, comprising nursing, laboratory work, medical physics, functional therapy, physiotherapy, aesthetics, anesthesia, audiology, and radiology, among others, all of which do not require a medical or pharmaceutical degree.

According to the law, practicing any healthcare profession is only permissible when one possesses the appropriate authorization. In order to get a license, it is mandatory to have a bachelor's degree or have a healthcare qualification recognized within the country. Furthermore, they are required to maintain good conduct and represent medical fitness in order to fulfill their responsibilities.

National Healthcare Registry in accordance with the law, a national healthcare registry will be established to encompass licensed healthcare professionals across the country. This registry will be overseen by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and health authorities are mandated to establish their own registries that are linked to the national one.

Healthcare professionals are strictly prohibited from selling or promoting medicines or providing samples to patients, or directing them to purchase medications from a specific pharmacy.

Fines

Those who practice a healthcare profession without a valid license, but meet the qualifying conditions for obtaining one, may incur fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh100,000.

Directors or managers of healthcare facilities who breach the provisions of the law may face fines between Dh1,000 and Dh500,000, as well as temporary suspension of their medical licenses.

Facilities found to be in violation of the law can be subject to fines ranging from Dh1,000 to Dh1 million, and may be temporarily or permanently shut down, depending on the nature of the violation.

Veterinary Facilities Amendments to the law also include updates to the required expertise duration for Emirati veterinarians and recent graduates seeking to practice the profession. Veterinarians and assisted medical professionals are granted exemptions from certain fees.

Furthermore, the amendments allow foreign entrepreneurs and investors to establish and own veterinary facilities, thereby promoting foreign investments. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has established a national register for veterinarians, practitioners, and assistants authorized to practice within the country.

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Written By Mousree Das