UAE Empowers Emergency Doctors with Special Driving Privileges to Enhance Response Times

DUBAI: In a significant move to bolster emergency medical services, the United Arab Emirates has implemented the ‘Bin Wariqa Service’, granting registered emergency doctors special driving privileges during critical situations. This initiative aims to reduce emergency response times and improve patient outcomes.

Key Features of the ‘Bin Wariqa Service’:

Enhanced Driving Permissions: Registered emergency doctors are permitted to exceed speed limits by up to 40 km/h, utilize hard shoulders and bus lanes, and receive real-time assistance from traffic patrols.

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, doctors must:

Belong to one of 13 designated emergency specialties.

Hold a valid medical license.

Complete certified emergency driving training.

Obtain approval from the Ministry of Interior.

Activation Protocol: Upon receiving an emergency call, doctors activate the service via the Ministry’s smart app (moiuae). Their vehicles, marked with a green triangular device known as a ‘lawah’, are tracked live by the operations room, which coordinates with traffic authorities to clear the way.

Legal Framework: Ministerial Resolution No. 248 of 2020 provides the legal basis for this initiative, ensuring regulated and safe use of these privileges.

Colonel Dr. Saeed Mohammed Al Dhahouri, Director of Service Development at the Ministry, emphasized that while the service benefits doctors, it ultimately serves patients by facilitating quicker medical intervention during emergencies.

With a 97% registration rate among eligible doctors and a targeted 30% reduction in emergency response times, the ‘Bin Wariqa Service’ is already making a positive impact on the UAE’s healthcare system.