Federal health officials are preparing a nationwide framework that would tie early cancer screening to health insurance coverage, a move aimed at normalising preventive testing across the country, according to statements delivered this week to the legislature.
Speaking during a session of the Federal National Council, Minister of Health and Prevention Ahmed Al Sayegh said authorities are developing a standardised approach that would make participation in early detection programmes mandatory by integrating them into insurance policies. The comments were reported by Khaleej Times.
In his response to a question from council member Naama Al Sharhan, Al Sayegh emphasised that early diagnosis remains central to improving survival outcomes and limiting the long-term medical and economic impact of cancer, particularly as global incidence continues to rise.
He pointed to Abu Dhabi’s Ifhas initiative as a reference model for future federal policy. The programme links screening to insurance and targets adults starting at 18 years old, with testing conducted every two to three years, or sooner for individuals assessed as having higher medical risk.
Under Ifhas, participants undergo screening for several high-prevalence cancers, including breast, colorectal, cervical and lung cancers. The model also combines oncology checks with broader preventive assessments for chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension, positioning cancer detection within a wider public health strategy.
At the federal level, Al Sayegh said preventive services are already being delivered through facilities operated by Emirates Health Services, notably via the Itmi’nan programme. This initiative focuses on periodic screening for non-communicable and chronic diseases, including select cancers, and is gradually being incorporated into routine care pathways, with plans to broaden its reach.
The minister also highlighted the UAE’s increasing reliance on advanced diagnostic tools to support earlier and more precise detection. These include liquid biopsies, genetic testing, enhanced laboratory diagnostics and artificial intelligence-assisted medical imaging, which together allow clinicians to shift toward personalised, risk-based screening rather than relying solely on age thresholds.
Looking ahead, Al Sayegh said the National Genome Programme will play a growing role in preventive care by enabling medical teams to identify inherited risk factors that may warrant earlier monitoring or intervention, reinforcing a data-driven approach to public health planning.
While welcoming existing programmes, Al Sharhan urged stronger participation and more consistent uptake, particularly for cancers associated with higher mortality, noting that early detection can significantly ease both emotional and financial pressures on families. Al Sayegh said coordination between federal and local authorities is ongoing as officials work through the regulatory and insurance mechanisms required before any mandatory framework is formally activated.
