Dubai has introduced a new law on infectious diseases that strengthens public health infrastructure by mandating swift outbreak response, promoting accountability, and ensuring health security without compromising individual rights. The legislation, approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is part of a broader strategy to protect communities and optimise medical resource allocation during potential health crises.

 

Key Highlights of the New Health Law:

• Mandatory Isolation: Individuals infected or suspected of being infected are prohibited from movement or travel unless approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

• Reporting Obligation: Healthcare professionals must notify the DHA within 24 hours of diagnosing any communicable disease.

• Criminalisation of Deliberate Transmission: Hiding or intentionally spreading an infection is now a criminal offence, reinforcing accountability and early containment.

• Free Treatment for Valid Visa Holders: The law assures inclusive healthcare access, offering free treatment to infected individuals with valid UAE visas.

 

Medical Experts Welcome the Policy Shift

Doctors across the UAE have praised the regulation as a decisive move in public health policy, emphasising its role in reducing patient suffering and curbing the spread of diseases like Covid-19, tuberculosis, influenza, and hepatitis.

Doctors highlighted the significance of the new law, noting that it will strengthen the existing healthcare system by enabling quicker containment and better resource management in hospitals. They emphasised the importance of recognising early symptoms—such as fatigue or sore throat—as these could indicate serious infections. The legal framework, they added, strikes a balance between public protection and individual rights, focusing on health security, timely reporting, and equitable treatment.

 

Covered Communicable Diseases:

The law applies to a wide range of diseases transmitted through air, contact, food, or water — including measles, dengue, malaria, and more. Its goal is to improve early detection, limit community transmission, and protect vulnerable populations.

 

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