How MoHAP’s new system reduces paperwork and saves patients time.
Dubai: Getting a sick leave certificate attested in the UAE is set to become easier, with a new system designed to reduce paperwork and save patients time.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) on Wednesday announced an enhanced system to streamline sick leave attestation and approval procedures at healthcare facilities operating under the ministry across several emirates.
Here is a closer look at what has changed and who stands to benefit.
What is the new rule?
Under the updated system, hospitals and healthcare facilities will now submit sick leave attestation applications directly to MoHAP on behalf of patients.
Previously, individuals had to initiate the process themselves. Under the new arrangement, the healthcare facility that issued the sick leave certificate will handle the attestation request on behalf of the patient or their companion.
Applications that meet the required conditions will automatically proceed to the approval stage, eliminating the need to submit a separate application.
What has changed?
The biggest change is that the process now begins with the healthcare provider rather than the patient.
MoHAP said the updated service journey is designed to reduce the steps customers need to complete while ensuring that all requests follow approved procedures and regulatory requirements.
The changes cover two services:
- Attestation of Sick Leaves and Medical Reports Service
- Approval of Sick Leaves and the Leave of the Patient’s Companion Service
These two services are now integrated, allowing eligible requests to move automatically from attestation to approval without requiring patients to file a fresh application.
Who benefits from the new system?
The updated process will benefit patients seeking sick leave certificate attestation at MoHAP-affiliated healthcare facilities in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
The automatic transition from attestation to approval applies to employees of the federal government and the local governments of these four emirates, subject to approved regulations. Eligible applicants will no longer need to submit a separate application for approval.
The changes also cover patient companions. Healthcare facilities can now submit attestation requests for companion leave alongside the patient’s sick leave application, making it easier for companions to complete the required formalities.
MoHAP said the move takes into account the needs of patient companions and simplifies the overall sick leave process.
Why has MoHAP introduced the changes?
The initiative supports the UAE Government’s Zero Bureaucracy Programme, which aims to simplify procedures, reduce administrative requirements and improve the efficiency of public services.
According to the ministry, the enhanced system is designed to shorten the customer journey, speed up service completion and deliver more convenient and efficient government services.
Abdullah Ahli, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector at MoHAP, said the changes reflect the ministry’s commitment to translating the government’s vision into meaningful improvements in service delivery.
He said the focus is on redesigning procedures, simplifying customer experiences and strengthening integration between government entities.
Ahli added that the ministry aims to establish a more flexible and sustainable service model through interconnected processes and efficient data exchange between entities.
He also emphasised that the success of the Zero Bureaucracy initiative should be measured through tangible improvements in customer experience and government efficiency, adding that MoHAP will continue working to enhance the quality of its services.
