The two new Dhaman health centers set to open in Hawally and Farwaniya will soon begin receiving expatriate patients covered by various insurance companies, said the CEO of Dhaman Hospitals Company Dr. Mohammed Al-Qenae.
Speaking to the media following a visit to the new centers, Dr. Al-Qenae noted that the services provided to patients at the centers will be of the highest quality and would be offered at reasonable costs to patients.
He added that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Health to finalize the processes involved in the health insurance scheme for expatriates. At present, employers of expatriate workers have to pay the government stipulated annual insurance fee of KD130 at the time of renewal or issuance of a new worker visa. This insurance entitles the employee to visit any Dhaman Health Centers located around the country and for a token fee of KD2.5 per visit gain access to doctor’s consultation and medical tests, including radiology, as well as referrals, if required, to Dhaman Hospitals where any surgeries or other additional tests are also covered.
Pointing out that 35 percent of the construction of Ahmadi and Jahra Health Centers have been completed and they are scheduled to open by 2021, Dr. Al-Qenae also revealed that the upcoming Dhaman Hospitals in Ahmadi and Jahra will have a capacity of 600 beds.
He added that, in light of recent statistics from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), which show that Dhaman is expected to serve around two million expatriate workers and that the numbers could increase by around three percent annually, Dhaman is prepared to increase the capacity of its hospitals if required.
However, Dr. Al-Qenae pointed out that there is no immediate plan to increase the capacity hospitals given that modern technology has made it possible for many patients to leave hospital shortly after their surgeries. He also stressed that the doctors nurses and other medical staff at the Dhaman Health Centers and Hospitals will be fully qualified and experienced as they will be recruited only after passing stringent tests and interviews and after their degrees are accredited by the ministry of education.
Speaking about how the hospitals would benefit citizens, Dr. Al-Qenae clarified that while Dhaman hospitals and health centers are for expatriate patients, it would significantly reduce the congestion at public hospitals and speciality clinics and thereby reflect on the services offered at these medical facilities hospitals to citizens. He added that the government has also offered 50 percent of the company’s shares to citizens, which is another direct benefit to them.