How to Apply for DHA Licensing for Healthcare Professionals If you are a healthcare professional looking to work in Dubai, obtaining a DHA license is mandatory. The DHA license requirements cover a wide range of healthcare roles and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees the licensing and ensures that all healthcare professionals meet the required qualifications and standards. This article will educate you on everything there is to know about making it as a healthcare professional in Dubai.
What is the DHA?
DHA stands for Dubai Health Authority. It is a government organization which oversees all the Healthcare Professionals and Health Care Facilities in Dubai. If you are looking to move to Dubai and practice, you need to get registered with the Dubai Health Authority. Prior to the DHA, the MOH or Ministry of Health was the Governing Agency for the same.
In the past, the MOH carried out a common examination known as the MOH examination. However, the DHA now carries out its own examination. All of the other Emirates also have their own examinations in place for health professionals.
What is the DHA Examination?
The DHA examination is a computer based prometric examination that is conducted online. This means you can sit for this examination before coming to Dubai. The examination consists of 100 to 150 questions which will vary depending on the type of health professional that you are. They are MCQs and you have two hours to complete it.
To pass, you need to score over 60% within three attempts. If you do not pass, you will have to practice in your home country for another two more years before you can sit for it again.
Do take note that once you submit the details relating to your experience to the DHA, they will cross check to ensure that the information submitted is true and accurate.
After securing a passing grade, you are eligible to get your license in Dubai. The syllabus will differ according to your field.
Who can sit for this exam?
All Healthcare Professionals such as Physicians, Doctors, Nurses, Midwives, Allied Healthcare Professionals, Lab Technicians etc must sit for this examination. Only after can they start their clinical practice or their work here in Dubai.
Steps involved
- Go to the DHA portal website and create an account with a login ID and password.
- Use the free self-assessment tool to check your eligibility. Input your qualifications, experience, and nationality.
- If eligible, register under DHA and submit your documents for verification. This is known as data flow verification, done by a third party. You’ll need to create a new user ID and password for this process.
- After receiving a positive data flow report, you can schedule your examination at a center near you.
Documents Required for DHA Application
- Degree Certificate
- Transcript
- License Registration Certificate
- Employment Certificate
- Good Standing Certificate
- Higher Secondary Certificate
- BLS Certificate
- Passport
- Photograph
How Much Does the DHA Prometric Exam Cost?
The cost of the Prometric exam varies based on the categories of physicians, dentists, nurses, midwives, and allied healthcare professionals, ranging from $180 to $300. For complete cost details regarding each medical licensing exam category, visit the link in the description.
Resources and exemptions
There are no specific resources for the exam. But you can use international resources. It depends on your speciality but as a medical professional you will know which textbooks to refer to. There is no problem with the time allocated for the exam. There will be plenty of time to do it. Questions are based on clinical scenarios so you have to think through the answer and then apply. Answers are never straightforward.
There is a document available on the DHA website which tells you the exempted categories of qualifications for consultant posts, specialists posts, for dentists, nurses, sonographers etc. It is a long list. If you are a GP that has passed the exams in the USA, you do not need to sit the GP license exams. All of this has to be verified through the self assessment tool.
What is the scope of my current qualification in Dubai?
If you have done an MBBS then you can work as a general practitioner in dubai. For that you need to go through the PQR document and take the self assessment test to see your eligibility criteria. If you have done an MD or MS then you can work as a specialist. Any additional qualification like fellowships will add to your qualifications. You can also get higher pay packages if this is the case.
How do I know if my qualification is accepted?
Go to the DHA website and use the self assessment tool. You must mention which country you graduated from and your experience. Once you complete these sections it will give you an answer at the end, detailing whether you met the criteria or not. It will advise you whether or not to proceed with the registration process. The PQR document also lists out the tier systems. Based on these tiers you will understand how different levels of experience are required to obtain either a specialist or consultant license.
Work timings
You have to work 48 hours a week in Dubai. Different specialties work different shifts based upon the requirements. Registrars will do straight 12 hour shifts for 4 days in a week and get three days off.
Emergency doctors will work 12 hour shifts. There are general practitioners who can do a straight 8 hour shift, there are certain clinics where you have to work in split shifts of four hours each.
Hospital setups by and large will have a straight 8 hour shift for 6 days a week. Some hospitals will give you concessions but that is a decision taken by a hospital.
Work life balance
You will get your days off after work and you can spend it on many attractions and places to visit in dubai. So many restaurants, indoor play areas for children, malls, clean beaches, and drive through destinations are at very close distance from each other within the emirates. Dubai has so many attractions that come up every few months. There is always something new to see in Dubai.
How can SetHub help in DHA licensing process
We hope this blog answers most of what you need to know about the DHA licensing process. If you have any further questions about the DHA Licensing process, SetHub is here to help. We are all about helping you get a head start with life in the UAE and therefore, our team is always ready to assist you with any queries or concerns that you might have! Schedule a call with us and hear back within just one business hour.
