DHCA COVID-19 Update: The Stop Of Elective Surgeries Starting 21 January

Wednesday, Jan 20, 2021

20 January, 2021. In line with national efforts towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic and the directives of the Dubai government, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), the governing body the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), instructs all clinical partners to stop all elective surgeries that require deep sedation or general anesthesia.

Such surgeries may be allowed to continue only as per medical urgency and necessity, at the sole discretion and assessment of the treating physician and clinical situation of the patient or if it is emergency such as but not limited to; Neurosurgical procedures, Fractures and corrective Orthopedic procedure, Cardiology and radiological interventions, stone and Urological stent removals or any other urgent procedures in General surgery, Ophthalmology, Pediatric, Obstetrics and Gynecology  and other specialties.

For surgical procedures not requiring deep sedation or general anesthesia, the treating physician shall make all the necessary assessment to ensure that operated patient will not require converting the level of anesthesia to deep sedation, require hospital transfer, or may require blood transfusion.

Please note that the directive is effective starting from midnight, Thursday, 21 January to 19 February and is subject for extension.

All concerned healthcare facilities must take all necessary measures to ensure full compliance with the directive.

Please see attached circular for detailed information.

Kind Regards,