The “Etmanan” program will be mandatory and linked to health insurance requirements

The Minister of Health and Community Protection, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, confirmed that the Ministry is currently working on implementing a package of procedures related to the “Reassurance” program, which is 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.
Al-Sayegh explained in his response to a parliamentary question during the Federal National Council session today (Wednesday), from Council member Naamah Al-Sharhan, about the reason for the government not establishing a compulsory annual examination for early detection of diseases and providing examinations for all social groups at reasonable prices or for free? In light of the global rise in cancer rates, the UAE government gives top priority to early detection programmes, as they are one of the most effective means of reducing infection rates and complications associated with the disease.
He said, “To ensure the provision of examinations for all segments of society, this was achieved through direct linking between preventive examination programs and health insurance requirements. This ensures the availability of basic examinations without additional financial burdens, and enhances health justice and equal access to services,” noting that the facilities of the Emirates Services Corporation offer the Reassurance Programme, which is a comprehensive periodic examination program for the early detection of non-communicable and chronic diseases, including some types of cancer. It is currently implemented by integrating preventive examinations into routine health care paths. With work to activate it mandatory in the future. By linking it to health insurance requirements.
Al-Sayegh added: “The Ministry of Health pays special attention to this issue, and will continue to develop such programs throughout the country. As for introducing the latest technologies, health authorities are working to adopt advanced diagnostic tools, supported by artificial intelligence, including advanced imaging techniques, genetic examinations, modern laboratory tests, and liquid biopsies, which enhances the prediction of health risks, raises the accuracy of results, accelerates diagnosis, and supports early therapeutic intervention and proactive prevention.”
He stressed that there is a clear direction by the wise leadership for this proactive prevention to be based on evidence and science. Therefore, the National Genome Program will deal in the future with information related to genetic sciences and patient files in the United Arab Emirates. Consequently, the medical staff concerned with these files will have proactive information about genetic conditions that may call for early intervention. We emphasize that the future direction focuses on strengthening early detection programs based on individual risk assessment and supported by artificial intelligence, expanding the scope of preventive coverage and unifying efforts at the federal level, which contributes to protecting the health of society. Emirati, and achieving the sustainability of the health system in accordance with the highest international standards.