New Road Privilege for Emergency Doctors

New Road Privilege for Emergency Doctors: Saving Lives Amid Traffic Jams

The United Arab Emirates has introduced an innovative initiative to assist those working in emergency medical care: the service, called Bin Wariqa, aims to allow doctors, who play a key role in saving lives, to reach patients quickly, safely, and without obstacles even during peak traffic. The program provides unique traffic privileges for doctors working in 13 critical specialties and has already become a great success in the country's healthcare and transport system.

What Makes the Bin Wariqa System Special?

The program allows the doctors involved to exceed the permitted speed by up to 40 km/h, use road shoulders or bus lanes, and receive real-time traffic assistance from the police. However, these permissions are not automatically granted – they can only be used when a hospital sends the doctor to a location with an emergency alert, and the doctor activates the system via the application.

Following the alert, the UAE Ministry of Interior tracks the doctor's vehicle in real-time and dispatches traffic patrols to aid traffic. A special triangular display must also be fixed to the vehicle to warn other motorists of its emergency nature. Additionally, a green license plate indicates the special privileges.

Who is Eligible to Participate?

The system currently extends to representatives from 13 essential medical specialties. Doctors wishing to join must have a valid medical license, obtain approval from the relevant authorities, and complete a specialized emergency driving course. The aim is not only to increase speed but also to maintain road safety.

Public Support is Also Crucial

Authorities emphasize that Bin Wariqa cars are not merely vehicles – they save lives. The public's cooperation is requested to immediately give way if they see such vehicles on the road. A doctor's quick arrival can often be a matter of life and death.

Regulatory Background and Future Plans

The program is regulated by Ministerial Decree No. 248 of 2020, which precisely defines exceptions including the use of road shoulders and bus lanes. Since the system’s introduction, response times have decreased by an average of 30%, and constant improvements are being made based on feedback.

The registration rate of doctors is already over 97% in the designated specialties, and authorities are also considering expanding the program to incorporate more specialties. Neighboring Gulf countries have shown interest in adopting the model.

Conclusion

The Bin Wariqa service is an exemplary initiative that combines technological development, regulatory framework, and support for healthcare provision. The aim is clear: to buy time to save lives – even during the worst traffic jams. The UAE has once again demonstrated that the future of smart cities is not only about infrastructure but also commitment to human lives.

(Source: Service Development Department at the Ministry of Interior announcement.)