An emerging hub for healthcare Infrastructure, technological advancement and priority for health is UAE’s motto
Ishtiaq Ali Mehkri
The UAE is one of the biggest stakeholders in the health industry in the region, and is a trusted destination for healthcare services. Its infrastructure in health is one of the best and modernised, as it is working on a policy of health for all. The UAE is also home to one of the world’s most sophisticated Healthcare City, which houses experts from all over the world for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Patient care, digital health and latest inventions form parts of the module of development in this sector, and the UAE is expanding its base. At the same time, special stress is also laid on life-style diseases such as diabeties and cardiovascular disorders, as well as cancer, in order to make the healthcare umbrella comprehensive enough to look after ailments in detail.
Arab Health, the largest gathering of healthcare and trade professionals in the MENA region, reveals that 45 per cent of GCC residents find wearable technology, such as fitness trackers or smart watches, an effective way to monitor their personal health.
In a GCC-wide survey commissioned by Arab Health 2018, 50 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 24 were in favour of Smart Health Technologies and personalised healthcare options, reflecting an increasing trend of the younger health-conscious population seeking preventive care. The wearable sensors market in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is projected to increase to $3.97 million and $3.08 million by 2018, respectively, supporting this emerging trend in the two largest populated markets in the GCC.
Manufacturers and providers of personalised healthcare products and services will showcase the latest technologies in this rapidly growing field at Arab Health 2018 in its first-ever Personal Healthcare Technology Zone.
Commenting on the results of the survey ahead of the upcoming exhibition, Ozlem Fidanci, CEO Philips Middle East & Turkey said: “Philips understands the value of connected health and the potential these devices have to help patients and clinicians monitor chronic conditions, important vital information such as blood pressure and even sleep quality. We are continuously developing new wearable sensing technologies to offer accurate and reliable methods of monitoring of cardio, respiratory and activity metrics.”
Dr. Bon Verweij, a leading neurosurgeon and speaker at the Arab Health 2018, commented, “3D printing is revolutionising the healthcare sector, enabling the creation of life changing products and devices.” Dr. Verweij is the first and only person to have ever done a skull transplant using 3D technology and virtual reality.
“In its 43rd edition, Arab Health 2018 will feature an increased focus on how innovation and technology is transforming the healthcare sector,” commented Ross Williams, Exhibition Director, Arab Health 2018.
— mehkri@khaleejtimes.com