g18c

Hi, quick question about the government health card!

I had an accident and broke some bones and had emergency surgery done, all seems to be healing well except the screws they used were too long and now the pain is preventing proper physio.

I have been told by my private doctor that the screws need to come out in a simple 15 to 30 minute operation.

I have quotes from a private hospital in the UK for 11,000dhs. Knowing prices here in the UAE I dread to think what the hospital will charge for such a procedure, from experience probably over 20kdhs wouldnt suprise me.

Since i had the surgery I am now on a different UAE visa other than Dubai (RAK), but I do have a Dubai healthcard. I do not have private insurance anymore.

Is it possible to get this done and pay to have surgery at Rashid Hospital or similair?

Can i get treatment at Dubai hospitals if i still have a valid Dubai government even though i am now on a different visa?

Otherwise anyone else want to pop round with a stanley knife and philips screw driver more than welcome

Cheers

hnd

Ouch! Don't know the answer but suspect that not having private health insurance could hurt more than the stanley knife and phillips screwdriver option

lionheart

What's a health card?

Kim67

Go to this site, fill out the form, in a couple of weeks go to Rashid Hopsital and pick up your card and pay 310AED per annum per adult and 210 for kids (110 is they're under 9) and then you can get treatment at Government Hospitals apparently.

http://eservice.dohms.gov.ae/pservices/CreatePID0.aspx

MacScot

If it's a 15 to 30 minute operation, I don't see why it should be more than AED11,000 here in Dubai. About a year ago I had my gallbladder removed by keyhole surgery (about 1 hour) and spent 2 days in a private hospital - total bill was only AED12,300.

g18c

Thanks for the replies - well knowing how much they charge for MRI scans and Dr consultations here i know the following:

In general you will pay 30 to 50% more to see a standard orthopedic surgeon doctor here in Dubai compared to seeing a consultant surgeon who specialises in a certain joint be it hand, ankle, knee etc. I guess its more down to the lack of specialist doctors here.

Of course if i dont like it i can always go home - which i did for my other surgery that got botched in dubai after i couldnt move my wrist more than 30 degrees!! Unfortunatly it was too late for the specialist in the UK to be able to sort.

Anyways I do have a very good doctor now as i was given a great referral, but it has to be at the right price, and as its a simple surgery would prefer here if possible. I think though to be honest Rashid has some of the best surgeons in the world the way they piece together people after accidents who arent wearing seat belts!!

What hospital did you use MacScot?

vastmassive

I aggree, this is your best option

g18c

Hi, thanks for the replies, yep i already have a in date and valid Dubai government health card, the only thing is now i am no longer on a dubai visa im now on a RAK visa. So its still ok to use and makes no difference? I will be self paying anyways so i dont see there would be any problem.