The “Atmanan” program will be mandatory during the coming period

The Minister of Health and Community Protection, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, confirmed, as part of the third session of the third regular session of the eighteenth legislative term of the Federal National Council, that the Ministry is currently working on implementing a package of procedures related to the “Comprehensive Periodic Screening” reassurance program, provided through the facilities of the Emirates Health Services Corporation, indicating that work is underway to activate the mandatory program during the coming period, given its vital role in promoting the concepts of health prevention and early detection, especially with regard to detecting diseases related to cancer.

The Minister explained, in his response to a parliamentary question during today’s session of the Federal National Council, that in light of the global rise in cancer rates, the UAE government gives top priority to early detection programmes, as it is one of the most effective means of reducing infection rates and complications associated with the disease.

He pointed out that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has developed an advanced model through the “Inspect” program, which is a comprehensive and mandatory periodic examination program, linked to the “Thiqa” health insurance system, and targets citizens starting from the age of 18 years, where examinations are provided every two to three years, or as required by medical need, taking into account individual differences and levels of health risk, and promoting the concept of personal prevention based on medical evaluation.

The “Examine” program includes screening for a number of types of cancer, including colon, cervical and lung cancer, in addition to introducing advanced diagnostic techniques such as “liquid biopsy” for eligible groups. The program also includes an integrated package of preventive examinations for chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the individual’s health.

He stressed that ensuring the availability of preventive examinations for all segments of society was achieved through direct linking between examination programs and health insurance requirements, ensuring the provision of basic examinations without additional financial burdens, and enhancing the principles of health justice and equal opportunities in obtaining services.

He said: “The Emirates Health Services Corporation also offers the “Reassurance” programme, which is a comprehensive periodic screening program for the early detection of chronic and non-communicable diseases, including some types of cancer. It is currently being implemented by integrating preventive examinations into routine health care paths, while working to make it mandatory in the future by linking it to health insurance requirements.