The healthcare sector is undergoing a transformative journey driven by significant investments and advancements in Artificial Intelligence technology. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are leading the surge in healthcare spending in the Gulf region, with the sector projected to reach $135.5B by 2027. This article explores the latest developments and initiatives in the healthcare sector, highlighting the integration of AI innovations and the positive impact on patient care, efficiency, and overall healthcare outcomes.
According to Alpen Capital’s report, the healthcare expenditure in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 5.4%, reaching $135.5B by 2027. UAE and Saudi Arabia are spearheading this growth, with investments in healthcare infrastructure, technologies, and services. This substantial increase in spending demonstrates the region’s commitment to enhancing the healthcare sector and improving the quality of care provided to its population.
In the UAE, the Emirate Health Services (EHS) launched an innovation strategy for the years 2023 to 2026, aiming to enhance the sustainability of health-related innovations. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) introduced a value-based healthcare model known as EJADAH, which leverages AI technology for predictive healthcare analysis. This model focuses on early intervention, prevention of diseases, and patient-centred care. It aims to shift the healthcare sector from a volume-based model to a value-based model, ensuring better population health, optimized healthcare expenditure, and improved clinical outcomes.
The EJADAH model incorporates AI technology and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to assess the effectiveness of care from the patient’s perspective. It enables payers and providers to work together based on evidence-based guidelines, emphasizing performance and clinical outcomes. The model also promotes preventive care, reducing healthcare expenditure and enhancing healthcare sustainability. By 2025, the model aims to cover various disease areas, including diabetes, asthma, peptic ulcer disease, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and many others. This comprehensive approach ensures holistic healthcare management and improved patient outcomes.
The healthcare sector is increasingly adopting AI-based solutions to streamline processes and enhance patient care. Automation technologies, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), are being implemented to optimize administrative tasks, improve productivity, and ensure the efficient allocation of resources. The Department of Health-Abu Dhabi (DoH) launched an RPA tool, which has shown promising results, increasing service quality by more than 80% and reducing process durations by 90%. These advancements enable healthcare professionals to focus on more complex tasks, further enhancing the overall efficiency of the healthcare sector.
Healthcare facilities in the UAE are embracing AI innovations to improve patient care and outcomes. The Care AI project by Emirates Health Services (EHS) utilizes AI for self-monitoring, patient behaviour tracking, and computer vision-based diagnosis assistance. It enables healthcare providers to gather and analyze patient data, offering personalized treatment options. Additionally, hospitals like Burjeel Medical City are utilizing holographic technology and advanced tracking systems to enhance surgical planning and treatment accuracy.
The Health Sector Transformation Program in Saudi Arabia is a significant initiative aimed at restructuring and enhancing the country’s healthcare system. With a focus on comprehensive, effective, and integrated healthcare, the program prioritizes the well-being of individuals and society as a whole, including citizens, residents, and visitors. At its core, the program promotes value-based care, emphasizing transparency and financial sustainability while prioritizing public health and disease prevention.
By adopting a new model of care that emphasizes prevention, the program aims to improve access to healthcare services by ensuring optimal coverage and fair geographical distribution. Furthermore, the program seeks to leverage technology by expanding the provision of e-health services and digital solutions, ultimately improving the overall quality of healthcare services. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and builds upon the accomplishments and strategic targets achieved through the National Transformation Program, further bolstering the healthcare sector’s development and capacity to address health-related challenges.
The future of the healthcare sector in the Gulf region is shaped by significant investments and AI innovations. With countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading the way, the sector is projected to experience substantial growth, reaching $135.5B by 2027. Integration of AI technologies, such as the value-based healthcare model and automation systems, is transforming healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes, and optimizing resource allocation.
These advancements highlight the commitment of the region to provide high-quality healthcare services and establish a sustainable healthcare system that focuses on prevention, patient-centric care, and continuous innovation.
