Tracking The Post-Covid Healthcare Sector Changes In The Arab Countries
COVID-19 apparently exposed the vulnerabilities of healthcare organizations, too, among all other affected sectors. Data availability, equipment, facilities, and human resources.
Nothing ever seemed enough to tackle the waves of infection that newly emerging strains triggered.
The Arab region wasn't immune to the ill effects of the pandemic. The health resources came under tremendous pressure. But they shaped trends and practices that have become routine for this population in a post-pandemic world.
When the health challenges in the Gulf were multifaceted, three solutions have emerged to get through the situation: the advent of ad hoc collaborations, remote dealing via telemedicine apps, and patient consumerization.
But since the situation is dynamic and evolving, it will be interesting to see how COVID would further change healthcare in Arab countries.
What do the numbers say?
Traditionally, all Arab countries have had a poor track record in investments made for public health empowerment.
Disparities exist in the availability of expert guidance for treatment. For example, certain sections of society (like the refugees) remain deprived for the longest time.
A pandemic is discouraging health organizations across the Gulf. But, even then, the healthcare sector business forecast in the UAE suggests a massive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 percent over the next five years.
Telemedicine is still in its infancy in Arab countries. Therefore, there is a lot to spread awareness for this consultation mode.
Nevertheless, the opportunity ahead of us is lucrative to build one of the most substantial telemedicine networks.
Emerging Healthcare Sector Trends In Arab Countries
Here’s how COVID is already transforming healthcare in Arab Countries.
Trend #1. Growth Of Telehealth
Telehealth in Arab countries was a highly unorganized sector in the pre-pandemic era. However, as the pandemic encouraged remote consultations, the field has started seeing good growth and alignment.
Besides, in the UAE, the response of various public and private healthcare providers to the opportunity before them was encouraging. Such organizations worked hard and scaled their abilities to dive into telehealth.
Talking about patient acceptance—searches and inquiries for telemedicine services peaked in the summer of 2020. It clearly defines how the patient population acknowledged the need.
Telemedicine has benefited everyone—from people with lifestyle disorders to elderly patients unable to move in and out for frequent consultations.
The market trends are encouraging, and there’s a lot to do in the Gulf region for this domain. Therefore, telemedicine software should provide pre and post-hospitalization consultations and personalized healthcare services.
Trend #2: Health Insurance Changes
Health insurance has always been the strength of most Arab countries.
Building upon the same, many countries introduced pivotal changes that suited the demand perfectly.
For example, while Jordan expanded its old-age insurance coverage for the elderly and the sick, Iran has simple rules for health insurance premium payment.
Trend #3: Medical Tourism Boom
Medical tourism in Arab countries has gained more momentum than before. Some countries with a developed healthcare system attracted a rebound in medical tourism by opening their borders in a timely.
The Global Medical Tourism Index ranks Arab countries like Dubai, Oman, Egypt, Bahrain, etc., significantly regarding their medical tourism capabilities.
It is clear that with governments focusing on health infrastructure development now more than ever, medical tourism will become a good revenue source soon.
Key Takeaways
The healthcare sector presents an ocean of opportunities for patients and providers alike in the Gulf.
With a targeted focus on public well-being and human resource security, the health sector is also bound to get direct benefits.
Everything contributes to taking the baton forward—from regulatory changes to an increased focus on quality. Besides, growing awareness to accept emerging trends like telehealth is another contributor.
