Ministry tests capacity for retiree care after ‘Afya’ contract ends

• The Ministry of Health emphasized that it “will not tolerate any leniency or trade-offs concerning the health of citizens under any circumstances.”

• The ministry is working under a clear strategy to prioritize patients, particularly in emergency departments, which are available around the clock, said Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health.

• The ministry plans to establish a clear mechanism to grant ‘priority’ to Afya beneficiaries to ensure they receive timely diagnostic and therapeutic services without delay.

The Ministry of Health has begun testing its capacity to handle retiree treatments following the termination of its contract with their health insurance provider, ‘Afya’, reported the Al Rai newspaper.

Al-Rai newspaper has learned that the testing phase is expected to last between six months and a year. At the end of this period, the ministry will submit a report to the Council of Ministers on its capacity to provide services and healthcare to Afya beneficiaries and assess whether the project needs to be reintroduced.

The ministry emphasized that it “will not tolerate any leniency or trade-offs concerning citizens’ health under any circumstances,” adding that “the actions taken aim to safeguard public health and public funds.”

Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health, confirmed the ministry’s ability to accommodate Afya beneficiaries, stating that “a priority plan is currently in place to receive them and provide all necessary services.”

Although Al-Awadhi did not disclose the details of the ministry’s organizational approach to handling the Afyaprogram, he outlined multiple pathways, stressing that the ministry is working under a clear strategy to prioritize patients, particularly in emergency departments, which are available around the clock.

Some aspects of the ministry’s plan for handling retirees include evening clinics in primary healthcare centers and public hospitals, and dedicating Saturdays for their surgeries to expedite procedures, in addition to surgeries performed during the rest of the week.

The plan also includes instructing emergency departments to prioritize retirees for immediate care, 24/7, and assigning hotline 151 for their inquiries. This service will be supported by an integrated medical team covering all specialties, including dentistry, surgery, internal medicine, and quick access to lab and radiology services for faster diagnostics.

The Ministry of Health sources revealed to the newspaper that another component of the ministry’s plan is establishing a clear mechanism to grant ‘priority’ to Afyabeneficiaries, whether through special cards or other methods, to ensure they receive timely diagnostic and therapeutic services without delay.

The sources indicated that the ministry is also working on creating a regulatory mechanism for benefits and financial allocations for staff in evening clinics, to serve this group and other medical cases, following coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the availability of medical, nursing, and technical personnel.

Five key areas to boost healthcare:

1. Evening clinics.
2. Rapid surgeries on Saturdays.
3. Fast reception around the clock.
4. Hotline for inquiries.
5. Accelerated examinations.