Healthy outlook for medical tourism in UAE

Dubai: Medical tourism in the UAE is expected to fetch Dh7.1 billion in revenues from 11.2 million healthcare tourists by the year 2010, according to reports.

Meanwhile, the global medical tourism industry is worth Dh183.5 billion and it is expected to grow to Dh367 billion in the next four years.

With the focus on Dubai Healthcare City, a Dh6.76 billion project that encompasses many international medical facilities, most of the tourists are expected to be treated in Dubai.

Commenting on Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) and the boom in the medical tourism industry in Dubai, Ian Scott, director of the UK and Ireland office of the Government of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said in a statement, "Diversification of the emirate's economy is key to its success in positioning itself as one of the world's leading destinations."

Global concern

He said, "Excellence in healthcare is a global concern and medical tourism is a booming industry worldwide. Dubai is pleased to have such a strong infrastructure in place, with top clinicians operating in highly specialised state-of-the-art facilities, to ensure that patient demand can be met and expectations exceeded at Healthcare City."

According to reports, the lack of lengthy procedures is one of the reason patients prefer to be treated in Dubai. The comparatively low cost of treatments and the variety of medical services offered also add to the attraction.

Dr Ottmar Schmidt, a spokesperson for Welcare Hospital, a private institution, told Gulf News that they are expecting an increase in patients seeking their services, especially with the opening of City Hospital.

He said that the hospital sees patients come from across the GCC as well as from North African countries.

Speaking on the type of services sought, Schmidt said, "We have seen demand across a large spectrum of medical services namely dermatology, cosmetics, plastic surgery and ophthalmology. We also see a fair number of patients interested in surgical procedures."

Schmidt expects growth in the medical industry in Dubai from residents who normally travel for medical treatments.

"This will gradually stop as Dubai's healthcare facilities keep speed with its growth. This in itself will have a significant impact on the healthcare landscape in Dubai and across the region," he said.

Leisure factor

Moreover, he said the growth of influx of tourists, who "combine leisure activities with their healthcare needs," will add to the boom in medical tourism.

Nasser Khalifa Al Budoor, the assistant undersecretary for international relations and health affairs at the UAE Ministry of Health suggested the country will become a popular destination for health tourists.

"We don't have exact figures on the number of people coming for treatment yet, but numbers are increasing for health tourism," Al Budoor said in a statement.

"The cost of medication and treatment is high and people looking for lower costs are now coming to Dubai," he added.

Industry issues will be discussed by international experts at the first global congress dedicated to medical tourism in Dubai.

Healthcare Travel Exhibition and Congress 2008 will take place at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel from November 2 to 4.

In the near future, expectations are that the government hospitals will account for over 44 per cent of the Emirate's 5,415 hospital beds, while private hospitals represent 37 per cent and DHCC accounts for 19 per cent, according to DHCC reports.