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DUBAI — The Ministry of Health will conduct free periodic health screenings for all residents in Dubai and the northern emirates as part of its strategy to reduce future healthcare spending.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Muna Al Kawari, Director of Central Department of Primary Health Care (CDPHC) at the ministry, said that a pilot study had been running in Al Wasit and Al Riqqa health centres in Sharjah from January. More than 2,000 people have registered with the study and 300 doses of vaccines have been administered.

The screenings will start in Dubai and the other northern emirates in June.

She did not specify the timeline for when screenings would be completed.

“Taking into account the rise in the incidences of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, the department has chalked out local schedules for conducting periodic check-ups of all residents,” Dr Al Kawari said.

“The check-ups are aimed at protecting the health of the general population through detection of diseases at an early stage. This will reduce the future financial burden of patient care on the MoH and bring down death rates.”

The programme has been divided for different age groups, addressing health issues of newborns to people over 60.

While children in the 0-5 age bracket will be given free vaccinations, people in other age groups will be given consultations and medication, depending on the nature of their diseases.

People may also be advised to report for follow-up treatment. Serious cases will be referred to hospitals for further treatment.

The primary health care department also plans to start education programmes for schoolgirls on diseases such as breast and cervical cancers.

“We are planning to distribute a questionnaire among schoolgirls discussing these issues as well as asking them about prevention,” said Dr Kawari. Parents will also be part of the education drive.