A senior health official lamented the fact that most private medical institutions operating in the country shy away from paying fees levied on processing various health transactions online.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Ibrahim Ali Al Qadi, Director of Private Medical Practice Department at the Ministry of Health said statistics compiled by his department have shown that most of private health clinics and centres in the country avoid paying fees imposed on various health transactions electronically. Citing reasons behind these institutions having scruples about online payment, the official said the main cause was doubts these institutions have in getting back their money in case applications were turned down.
"I think the main reason for the shying away of these private health facilities is that they fear they might not get their money back in case their applications were rejected. Some, on the other hands, doubt that their applications may be neglected once submitted electronically," said Dr Qadi.
Allaying fears of private health centres, he affirmed the ministry was committed to provide applicants with receipts once they paid via e-card.
"We keep records of each and every payment on all applications private facilities submit online. We want people to fully avail of our electronic services so as to enhance the policy of e-government adopted by the country to provide quality services to the citizens," urged the official.
He called upon private medical centres to opt for processing registration, renewal and licensing transaction via Internet to avoid typing mistakes that commonly occur when they manually process their applications. "Electronic processing of transactions avert typing mistakes that frequently occur and lead to rejection of applications".
Health institutions could also spare themselves printing charges of applications by forwarding their requests online, advised Dr Qadi.
The Private Medical Practice Department introduced 'online application' services last year to provide quality service in terms of processing transactions for the private sector.
Autor: Nada S. Mussallam
Quelle: Khaleej Times, 22.09.2005
