The waiver of co-pay on private treatment for Thiqa insurance cardholders will have benefits for both Emiratis and the emirate’s healthcare system, said a UAE daily.

In an editorial in The National today, the paper said that the decision was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, during a tour of Burjeel Hospital on Wednesday.

The paper went on to say, "Emirati patients will now have the opportunity to obtain free treatment from a wider choice of healthcare providers and have access to additional services that may not be available in public hospitals.

"The removal of co-pay last January will also alleviate the financial burdens on Emirati patients who are in long-term care and previously had no other option than to go to the private sector for treatment.

"The decision will also ease pressure on public hospitals, which were hit by an influx of patients, which put further strain on medical staff and resulted in longer waiting times for patients.

"For Emiratis, even those who could afford medical treatment under the co-pay system, Sheikh Mohamed’s decision sent a strong message that the leadership will continue to support citizens. It also shows that the Government is committed to continuous reform of the healthcare sector to create a more efficient and better framework for patient care. This was confirmed by the Crown Prince’s orders on the same day to establish a specialist medical college and a healthcare city in the emirate.

"The healthcare system is undergoing a period of profound change, several amendments were made to the insurance system last year, with the intention of achieving a sector that is fit for the long term.

"The co-pay waiver is, on the other hand, a benevolent act designed to alleviate financial pressure on Emiratis and to give public hospitals some breathing space," concluded the Abu Dhabi-based daily.