Dubai: As has been the experience in other markets with compulsory medical cover, it will be Dubai’s primary health care sector that will be seeing most of the action.
It will come about “both due to the health seeking behaviour of blue-collar expat workers and also DHA [Dubai Health Authority] encouraging patients to seek initial consultations through primary care facilities where possible,” said Dr Helmut M. Schuehsler, Chairman & CEO, TVM Capital Healthcare Partners. “As a result, more health centres, as well as doctors, will be needed to meet demand as the roll out progresses.
“In turn this could lead to a greater need for primary diagnostics, radiology, medical laboratory testing and even retail pharmacy.
“Over the longer-term, mandatory insurance could increase access to specialised services such as long-term care and chronic care. But at the moment these are unlikely to be covered in most private insurance schemes.”
