DHA’s Basmah programme provides full cancer care

More than 100 women with financial difficulties have received the full spectrum of breast cancer care thanks to the Dubai Health Authority’s ‘Basmah’ initiative, which was launched in 2019.

Before the scheme, cancer coverage was limited to Dh150,000. Now there are no sublimits and coverage is unlimited. Under the initiative, eligible patients are enrolled at Dubai Hospital for their treatment.

The initiative makes Dubai authorities “the first government entity in the world” to provide a complete spectrum of care, from screening to treatment for the three types of cancer (breast, colorectal and cervical cancer) under the essential benefit plan.

Dr Moaza Al Bedwawi, general surgeon at Dubai Hospital and founder of Pink Ride Hope, said: “This initiative is a blessing for patients and also for health care workers as we feel truly grateful to see patients with financial difficulties get complete treatment so that they can be cured and lead a healthy and happy life.”