The new initiative will provide complimentary treatment to those with limited or no health insurance

The Ministry of Health has struck a deal with international healthcare company Novartis to provide free healthcare to over 3,200 UAE residents in 2018.

The deal was announced to mark the Year of Zayed, with eligible patients receiving up to a year’s worth of complementary treatment or medication.

In order to qualify, patients will need to be referred by their doctor and will be assessed. Priority will be given to patients with limited-to-no health insurance, particularly those suffering from cancer, or other chronic conditions such as asthma, multiple sclerosis, retinal and blood disorders and psoriasis.

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Dr Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing told The National, that the new initiative will go into effect immediately. It will continue until all 3,210 available spots are filled and all eligible resident are receiving treatment they might not otherwise be able to afford.

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