Current trends in healthcare sector discussed at meeting

Times News Service

MUSCAT: Conversations at the Forbes Middle East’s first healthcare event centred around shaping the future of healthcare, finding a balance in pharma and implementing machine medicine, moderated by PwC.

The event also highlighted the current trends and potential opportunities in the healthcare sector, built around a series of panel discussions and keynote speeches by industry leaders.

Government representative, Amin Al Amiri, assistant under secretary at the Ministry of Health; and Dr Ibtesam Al Bastaki, director of investment and partnership, Dubai Health Authority, were part of the discussions, alongside industry stalwarts, including Dr Azad Moopen, founder, chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare; Dr Thumbay Moideen, founder of the Thumbay Group; Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi, managing director and CEO of UEMedical and Zanubia Shams, co-chair for Zulekha Hospitals.

GCC healthcare spending

“GCC healthcare spending is expected to reach US$69 billion by 2020. The healthcare ecosystem is currently witnessing a significant transformational shift, with technology playing a vital role. It will be a game changer for the sector, with innovation playing an important role. The private sector, together with government authorities, will continue to be a key partner in the long-term development of the healthcare industries,” Khuloud Al Omian, editor-in-chief of Forbes Middle East, said.

The event kicked off with Al Amiri sharing insights on the UAE’s healthcare services and how the country continuously strives to provide the best stateof-the-art healthcare and pharmaceutical services. He highlighted the role of technology and innovation and shared acumen on the country’s growing healthcare expenditure to promote healthcare services. Dr Stephen Brookes from The University of Manchester also discussed the future of healthcare, emphasising the collaboration of public and private partnerships and global initiatives supporting healthcare promotions.

Three panel discussions discussed the future of healthcare, the next breakthrough in pharma and the GCC’s implementation of machine medicine and 3D printing, artificial intelligence and robotics. Panelists expressed their keen interest in the country’s vision and discussed potential markets and areas of interest amongst the pharmaceutical giants. Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to be among the major markets for leading industry players and for strategies opted by drug makers and healthcare providers.

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