The Emirate of Sharjah, one of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE, has today implemented a health insurance programme for its citizens over the age of 45, who do not currently have health insurance.
The programme, which was reported by several regional newspapers including Gulf News, Sharjah24 and Gulf Today is scheduled to start today.
It was approved by Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah, and was announced by Dr. Abdulaziz Al Muhairi, chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority (SHA). through the Direct Line programme via Sharjah Broadcast Authority (SBA).
The development has not yet been published on the SHA internet site.
The insured will get coverage for treatment at the University Hospital Sharjah.
The estimated cost for the programme is 80 million UAE dirhams (£17m) to cover some 8,000 people
An electronic link is to be sent via SMS to people who want to register in the health insurance system for treatment at the University Hospital.
This link will allow individuals to submit their personal data and confirm that they do not have health insurance with any other entity in the emirate.
The Sharjah government currently insures some 118,000 people, mainly employees and retirees, through Al Buhaira National Insurance.
With 2.3 million people Sharjah (pictured) is the third largest of the Emirates in the UAE, behind Dubai and Abu Dhabi.