Dubai moots health funding for poor

The Dubai Executive Council yesterday reviewed a proposed health funding system that aims to facilitate the access to health services by people with limited income and enhance cooperation between governmental and private medical institutions. The proposed system is a part of Dubai's Strategic Plan 2015. The system was reviewed during a council meeting chaired by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, in the presence of Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and First Deputy Chairman of the Council. The system will also aim to improve the quality of rendered healthcare services and developing the emirate's health system. The council reviewed a number of proposals related to financing health services, such as social health insurance, special health insurance and other categories, as well as ways in which they will be used with the insurance system and schedule for implementation, and the expected results.?Social networking The council discussed the preliminary results of a study regarding the current status of Dubai government bodies' usage of social networking. It reviewed the preliminary proposed structure for the new policy regarding social networking and steps that will be taken pending a forthcoming final approval. The council indicated that the Dubai government communication guideline encourages governmental bodies to support and utilise modern methods of communication, and stressed the importance of raising awareness on the ideal usage of these channels of communication. The study outlines the general usage of social networking sites among Dubai government bodies, along with interviews with bodies that are most active on these sites. The study also reviews accounts of federal government bodies and global research and studies in the field of social networking. The study indicates that practices of some governmental bodies that are exceptionally active on these sites have helped them attain customer feedback and improve their levels of customer satisfaction. The council then reviewed a proposal by the economic development committee regarding a resolution to stop an increase in the prices of governmental services. The council decided to delay the approval of the resolution, and recommended carrying out regular studies regarding the matter.