MOH UAE TCAM Exam – Previous question papers,tips on preparation and interview

How to practice Homoeopathy, Ayurveda and other Complementary Alternative systems in UAE

Dr Mansoor Ali K R
Professor, Govt Homoeopathy Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India
Independent Licence owner, MOH UAE

Everything on – Ministry Of Health United Arab Emirates Traditional Complementary  & Alternative Medicine Examination – How to apply, tips on preparation, interview, previous question paper and Jobs in UAE 

MOH UAE Homoeopathy and other TCAM Exam Schedule 2022

• August 9 : Rashid Diabetes Research Centre Ajman
• August 15 : Rashid Diabetes Research Centre Ajman
• September 5 : : Rashid Diabetes Research Centre Ajman
• September 14 : : Rashid Diabetes Research Centre Ajman
• October 3 : : Rashid Diabetes Research Centre Ajman
• October 11: : Rashid Diabetes Research Centre Ajman
• November 2 : Rashid Diabetes Research Centre Ajman
• November 8 : : Rashid Diabetes Research Centre Ajman
• December 14 : Rashid Diabetes Research Centre Ajman
• December 20 : : Rashid Diabetes Research Centre Ajman

Time 9 am

Note : The date and venue of the exam can be changed as per MOH discretion. You can choose an examination date when you register online.

Alternative systems of medicines like Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine etc are gaining momentum all over the world.  

There has been an increased demand for other Natural and Alternative therapies in the UAE following such trends in Europe and North America. Several studies published in reputed medical journals have shown that alternative therapies are of increasing demand for chronic conditions and lifestyle diseases 

Homoeopathy system of medicine is legalised in Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and UAE. 

UAE Government approved the practice of Homeopathy and other alternative systems of medicine in the country in 2001.  A separate section was established under UAE Ministry of Health (MOH) for Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicines (TCAM).

The popularity of homoeopathy is increasing each year in UAE, has been gaining momentum in the UAE – so much so that major insurance firms have included it in their coverage and more pharmacies are stocking up on homeopathic medicines. The availability of alternative medicines across many pharmacies is proof that it is widely accepted

There are currently more than 250 licensed homeopaths in UAE, out of which over 150 homeopaths are in medical centres across the emirates. More than 60 homeopaths are there in Dubai itself. Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah being other major cities where many homeopaths practising .

Popular medical insurance companies, such as Bupa, Oman Insurance, Nextcare, AXA, ADNiC, Neuron and NAS, also cover homeopathic treatments. Over 24 companies reimburse the cost of homeopathic treatments in UAE. Many major insurance companies cover them, and there is a recent increase in the number of companies providing direct billing services.

As all major cities of UAE are cosmopolitan in nature one get people of all walks and classes of life here.   So there is never a shortage of supporters to the system. It is reassuring to see that even the labor classes, who can’t miss even a day of their work, come to Homeopathy for their ailments.  Another pleasant surprise is the support by local/native population. One another factor is that the common illnesses met with here like UTI, RTI, infertility, Headache alopecia etc. are responding wonderfully to the simple homoeopath medicines.

All the major healthcare establishments have a Homeopathic section also along with their institutions.  The doctors who already cleared by MOH and started their practice here sounded enthusiastic and hopeful about the future.  The large Indian population is also happy that they could get quality Homeopathic treatment nearby.

How to practice Homoeopathy, Ayurveda and other alternative systems in UAE
A proper licence from the MOH/DHA/DHCC/HAAD is compulsory to practice Homoeopathy and other alternative medicines in UAE.  To get this we need proper qualification and some prior experience from your country of origin.  

Steps
For practising Alternative medicines in UAE first one needs a recognised qualification in specific course from their country of origin like BHMS, BAMS, BUMS etc. 

Next, they should get a license from the Ministry of Health (MOH) through the TCAM exam.  Usually 3 to 4 exams per year 

Practice anywhere  in UAE
After getting the TCAM Licence, you can practice anywhere in UAE. There are seven emirates in UAE . Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Quwain.

After getting the TCAM license one should register for permission from the respective local governments (municipalities) depending upon in which emirate of UAE.

After getting the above two documents one can do the practice under an existing medical institution. Because currently, the system here is of poly-clinics/ hospitals with  – two or more doctors from different systems of medicine. No job in the Govt sector so far – probably we are expecting soon. 

For starting a separate individual Homeopathic clinic one should get a permit for starting/running a clinic which usually costs a heavy fee and also provided only to those who gets a ‘license to practice independently’ by MOH.  

After procuring all these four documents (License from MOH-UAE, Permission from Local Health Ministry, labour card and employment visa) one start practising in UAE.  

The candidates should also need a minimum of two years’ practical experience after the internship. Collect the experience certificated from reputed clinic or hospitals. Authorities will verify the details later. 

The TCAM exam consists of two parts. 
The first, a written examination 100 marks is a mixture of MCQ and short-answer questions.  

This is a common test for all the branches of complementary and alternative medicines like Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, Acupuncture etc.  

This is based on General Medicine and the questions are of PG standard. Cut off marks may be different according to the need/demand for doctors in UAE.

Those who clear this examination will be called for an interview, where a panel of experts (Allopathic doctors and experts of TCAM speciality) will judge the capacity of the candidate as a physician.  

Note that knowledge in your field of speciality (Homeopathy/Ayurveda/Chinese medicine etc.) is tested only in the interview if you first pass the written exam.  

Remember these TOP 10 Gulf Job Interview Cracking Tips:

• Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile, address your interviewer by name, and make eye contact.
• Never sit until asked to do so.
• Ensure you are informed about the position and the organization before your interview. Wherever possible get a job description or review the details of the position.
• Make sure you are familiar with all dates and information on your resume. Be prepared to go into detail and to give examples of various difficult work situations you have successfully handled.
• Make sure you know the exact location and how to get there. Get there five to ten minutes early.
• The dress should be appropriate, businesslike and conservative. Always look successful.
• You may be asked to talk about yourself, but keep your entire life history for non-business situations! An interviewer is interested in how you and your experience best suit the position and the company.
• Do not take notes, and do not be concerned if your interviewer takes notes. Never speak negatively about present or previous work situations.
• At the end of the gulf job interview, you may have an opportunity to ask questions. Express enthusiasm and interest in the company and the position. Thank the interviewer for their time. You may ask what the next step would be in their hiring process.
• Do not discuss money/salary during the interview, or ask about benefits and vacation, unless the interviewer brings these subjects up for discussion. End the interview with a handshake.
• A follow-up note or thank you letter sent after the interview if you are particularly interested in the position and organization, is a good way to keep your name visible. A follow-up call within a week is a good idea, if you have not been contacted.
• If an agency arranged the interview for you, call them immediately. It is important for the agency to get your response to the position before they talk to the employer. A positive response from you can often lead to a positive response from the employer. Keep in touch with your agency.

Salary Negotiation:
Although negotiating salary, may be common in some places it is NOT recommended for the UAE and the Gulf market. It may give the potential employer a negative impression about the candidate. Source : www.Waytogulf.com 

Guidelines to Candidates

• Nowadays the questions are of USMLE pattern and PG standards with perfect diagnosis and differential diagnosis. 10% descriptive questions and 90% MCQs. Usually100 question sometimes 70
• A comprehensive and up to date knowledge in the Practice of medicine and Community Medicine is necessary.
• Davidson is the approved text by MOH
• No Homoeopathic / Alternative medicine questions during the theory exams, but liberally during the interview.
• Questions are MCQ (multiple choice questions) type with 4/5 answers.
• Remember all the answers are more or less similar but only one is correct.
• Recently pattern of questions entirely changed – 60 MCQ (for 40marks) and 40 short answer type questions ( for 60 marks) were asked.
• Written Examination would be common for all the Alternative Medicine disciplines.
• This examination would be Multiple Choice, of not less than two hours duration.
• Candidates should be familiar with the prevalence of common diseases in the UAE and the Gulf and should have adequate knowledge of public health principles, necessary for any General Practice.
• Latest investigative procedures and normal biochemical values in International Units are asked for theory and viva.

The written exam shall include testing in

• The basic sciences including but not limited to anatomy, physiology, bacteriology, pathology, hygiene, and chemistry as related to the human body or mind.
• The clinical sciences, nutrition, preventive and public health medicine
• Professional ethics and any other subjects that the examining board may deem advisable

Multiple Choice Written Examinations
The written exam generally consists of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Short-answer-objective type questions and questions based on diagrams/pictures/images depicting medical conditions may be also included in the written exam. MCQs may be structured in such a way that only one answer would be correct, in such a case there would be no negative markings. There may also be MCQs with multiple correct answers. In such a case, there would be negative marking for wrong answers chosen. Instructions for each type of MCQs would be clearly given during the examination time.

Interview
Candidates who successfully pass the written examination would be called for an interview in their field of speciality usually within 15 days. An examination board consisting of professionals from different specialities conducts the interviews. As per needs and requirements, the examination board may invite TCAM professionals from the private sector to assist in conducting the interviews.

Successful candidates who have passed both written and oral/practical examinations would then be awarded the license to practice in their field of speciality.

You have to appear for an interview in front of a panel of experts with original documents.

For example, Homoeopathy medicine practitioners would be interviewed by the Homoeopathy examining committee that too has modern medical experts. Likewise, other practitioners such as Chiropractors, Homeopaths, Herbalists, etc. would be sent to special interviewing committees. This would be held as soon as possible after the results are announced. (Usually within two weeks).

RECOMMENDED READINGS 

• SARP (C.K.Sinha)- PG medical admission test – for last moment revision
• Salgunan- Postgraduate Medical entrance review
• FORD.M.J -1000 MCQ for Davidson- principles & practice of medicines
• Rapid Access Guide to Alternative Medicine Exam in UAE
• High-end MCQs and study notes for Medical students and Professionals
  https://www.homeobook.com/high-end-mcqs-and-study-notes-for-medical-students-and-professionals/  

The following documents should be submitted along with the application form:

• Evaluation application form.
• Curriculum Vitae (C.V).
• Copies of academic certificates provided the originals are attested by the official authorities.
• Copies of experience certificates provided the originals are attested by the official authorities.
• Copy of registration in the relevant syndicate in the applicant’s country of origin.
• Personal declaration.
• List of referable researches, studies and sources (for doctors, specialist technicians and consultants).
• Established fees payment receipt.
• Curriculum Vitae (preferably one page)
• Passport Copy and Three (3) recent passport size colour photographs
• Copy of mark sheets / Transcripts for each year or semester (Authenticated or Certified true copy by the college or a Notary Officer)
• Copy of Internship completion Certificate (Authenticated or Certified true copy by the college or a Notary Officer)
• Copies of Diplomas and Degrees (Authenticated/attested by the Ministry of Higher Education and the UAE Embassy in the country where Degree has been awarded)
• A practical short duration training course certificate is required in any one of the Emergency Care courses such as: Advance Life Support, First Aid Course, or CPR. The training should have been done from an authorized training centre in the UAE or abroad, like Red Crescent Society, Red Cross Society, or any Major Hospitals, etc. (Distant Education Courses and Online internet courses would not be accepted)
• Experience letters/certificates in your field of speciality, including the date of appointment and termination of duties.

Registration
Now apply online https://smartforms.moh.gov.ae:444/Login.aspx 

• Registration Fees would be accepted only by E-Dirham, which could be purchased through any of the local banks.
• Registration would start at 8:00 a.m to 12:00 noon.
• Only 75 applications would be registered per registration day.
• Those who had failed the previous exam can bring their registration slip and register again, for this exam.

Number of Seats

• The maximum number of seats for each cycle of TCAM examination would be 150 persons.
• Number of attempts : 3 attempts are possible
• After getting MOH license you need to get attached to the concerned Emirates Ministry of health where you are going to get placed.
• Usually, 2 exams are conducted per year.
• You have only 3 chances to win/attend
• 80-90% marks in theory is necessary for in attending the interview

Venue of Exam
MOHAP Training and Development Center,
Maliha Road,University City,Sharjah, UAE
Phone:06 594 2600
Timing: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

Venue of Interview
Al Owais Hall- Al Baraha Hospital-Dubai,
Khaleej Al arabi, Al Baraha,Deira – Dubai, UAE
Phone:04 271 0000

Help desk : : +971 4 3969739 /306 6322 

Certificate attestation & Submission
Your BHMS degree certificate should be attested by the embassy of UAE in your country. For this you have to send – Internship certificate, degree certificate, final year mark list, registration certificate ( medical council) and Transcript ( obtained from the university in which you have got BHMS or equivalent certificate ) through an approved Travel agency or directly.

Minimum time required for this: 10-18 days

Arrange Visa, flight ticket, accommodation etc at your own risk and expense.

A minimum of 15 days to 1-month stay is required.

Experience required for applying :

• 2 years after Degree or 3 Years after Diploma in your speciality
• UAE national Doctors are exempted from the (2) years’ experience condition, hence the year of internship is sufficient for evaluation.
• Excellent command of English language (written and spoken) is a condition

Ranking/License to practice/Certificates
For those who secure higher marks will be awarded an Independent Practice Certificate. For others Under the Clinic license only.

Upon the recommendation of the examination committee, the evaluation committee grants one of the following options according to the qualifications, experiences and results of written and oral examinations:

• Allowed to work in a medical centre
• Allowed to work independently
• Allowed to work under supervision in the same speciality

Job in UAE
At present no government jobs are available for Alternative medicine people at UAE. But you can earn much from your private practice or attached to many polyclinics or hospitals.

The current trend is that after procuring the license from MOH one goes on a job hunt by contacting various poly-clinics asking whether they need a homeopath. Alternately one can also check classifieds columns in newspapers here which give the vacancies. Then after one finds out an establishment/sponsor they together work out the remuneration and make a contract. Then the establishment approaches the local government for the above-said permission and after getting that permission from the health ministry applies to the labour department for the labour card.  

1. Who is eligible to sit for C.A.M Practioner’s Examination?
a. Alternative Medicine Degree holders (MD in a branch of Alternative Medicine, DC, DO, BHMS, BAMS, BUMS, BAc, BSc Hom, BTCM, etc.)

b. Medical Degree holders (MBBS, MBBCh, MD, etc.) having a postgraduate Diploma or Certificate of not less than Two Years full-time duration, in any branch of Alternative Medicine, wishing to practice Alternative Medicine only. (Those who wish to practice modern medicine in addition to Alternative medicine should first successfully pass regular MOH, GP Examinations.)

c. Allied Health Specialists and Graduates that are recognized by the Health Ministry for example Nurses, Dieticians and Nutritionists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, having successfully completed a course in a branch of Alternative Medicine, of no less than 3 Years full-time duration, from recognized Institutions, would be also considered on an individual basis to sit for the examinations.

2. Criteria:
a. Diplomas, Degrees or other certificates should be issued from recognized universities or institutions which are authorized by the higher education authorities in a country to award certificates of competence or course completion at the end of the course.

b. Correspondence Courses, Distant Learning Certificates, and Certificates from unrecognized institutions shall not be accepted.

c. Applicants should be fluent in Arabic and/or English. Written Examinations are in English.

d. Internship period should be in a related Alternative Medicine Hospital or Clinic. If no internship was done, then two years of experience equals to One year of internship.

Revised guidelines – Documents required for Alternative medicine practitioner exam at UAE

1.Degree Certificate
Attestations required are
a)U.A.E. Embassy
b)Ministry of External Affairs /Foreign affairs/HRD
c)Ministry of Education/Regional Attestation Centers-(RAC)
d)U.A.E. Foreign Office (in U.A.E.)

A, B, & C attestations are required from the country where Degree has been obtained.

2.Registration /License
Attestations required are
A) U.A.E. Embassy
B) Ministry of External Affairs/Foreign affairs/HRD
C) UA.E. Foreign office (in U.A.E.)
A & B attestations are required from the country where you are registered as a practitioner.
3.Internship Certificate
4. Mark list/Transcripts – NO. 3 & 4 to be attested by College /University
5. Experience Certificate – To be attested by Local Court/Magistrate /Public Notary in the country where experience has been gained.
6.CPR/First Aid Certificate Course– from MOH recognized institute
(Please contact Dr Marwan Mohamed on 04-2301437/050-8760741)
7.C.V
8.Photograph
9.Passport Copy with Visa Page
10.Exam Fees -50 Dhs. (E-Dhs)

How to transfer your TCAM license to HAAD (Health Authority of Abu Dhabi) or DHA (Dubai Health Authority). A candidate who has received Evaluation Certificate can work anywhere within UAE.

In order to attach your TCAM License to HAAD  or DHA you have to register at 

https://www.haad.ae/haad/tabid/1055/Default.aspx

https://eservices.dha.gov.ae/DHAWeb/default.aspx 

Important links 

TCAM and other Exam Schedule Abu Dhabi : https://www.haad.ae/haad/tabid/199/Default.aspx 

Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Licensing Requirements

HAAD Standard for Scope of Practice for Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) Practitioners

Tips on preparation and interview 

Previous question papers of TCAM Evaminations of UAE 

User Manual dubai health care regulatory authority

Web site of MOH www.moh.gov.ae