Health
From The Report: Dubai 2015
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The rollout of universal health insurance commenced in October 2014 with the first of three deadlines for employers to ensure their staff are covered by health insurance, and is due to be completed by mid-2016. The universal cover will offer improved treatment options for many expatriate workers, while also enabling the government to make changes to funding mechanisms and priorities. A range of new hospitals and health care facilities are set to come on-line in the coming years, with three new hospitals and 40 new health care centres due to be built as a part of the Dubai Health Strategy 2013-25, announced in May 2013. Another key goal of Dubai Health Strategy is the development of medical tourism, as the emirate aims to leverage its geographical location, its status as an air travel hub, and its reputation as a luxury retail and hospitality destination as part of its offering.

This chapter contains an interview with Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Dubai’s universal health insurance and construction of new hospitals set to transform the sector
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The health care sector in Dubai is undergoing a period of transformation and expansion, driven by reforms in health care funding coupled with a growth in population. Construction projects are taking place at existing hospitals and on new sites, in both the public and private sectors, while new, smarter electronic systems are being introduced to improve patient care and health care administration. The rollout of universal health insurance began in October 2014 and is due to be completed by mid-2016,…

Analysis

Technologic: Mobile phone technology is being harnessed to improve public health care across the emirate
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When Apple released its new operating system iOS8 in September 2014, smartphone and tablet users were presented with a new tool called Healthkit. The dashboard pulls together apps designed to help people on the move monitor a range of health and lifestyle data including vital signs, calorie intake and exercise records. Data collected can then be stored on the iCloud interface, and the technology allows select results, such as blood pressure readings, to be shared with physicians if day-to-day monitoring…

Interview

Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA): Interview
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Interview:Raja Al Gurg What training and education programmes are needed to build Dubai’s specialised medical talent pool? RAJA AL GURG: DHCA is making every effort to provide quality medical education domestically with a two-fold objective; to retain talent and to promote sector growth. We recognise the growing health care needs and the gaps in specialisation that exist in the sector. To a large extent, DHCA is mapping these requirements through its medical education portfolio of…

Analysis

New universities in Dubai encouraging more nationals to study medicine
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In a period of expansion for hospitals and clinics in Dubai, recruitment, training and the retention of suitably qualified staff is a key concern for health care administrators. The population of the emirate is expected to grow; and its rulers are keen to see the ratio of medical staff to patients rise to a point where Dubai enjoys the same status as countries in Western Europe. As such, new initiatives are being introduced to enhance the scope of medical training in Dubai. Homegrown Talent According…

Analysis

A room with a view: Capitalising on its tailored visa regime and geographical location, the emirate continues to attract increasing numbers of medical tourists
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Dubai is planning to capitalise on its expertise in hospitality and medicine to attract 500,000 medical tourists a year by 2020. With the availability of fast-track licences for medical investors, new visas tailored for medical tourists and their relatives, and planning approval granted for as many as 22 new hospitals, authorities in the UAE and Dubai are combining forces to ensure a warm welcome for customers in the wellness industry. The development of medical tourism is one of the major goals…