Abu Dhabi: It may seem unusual to visit your doctor while on a shopping spree, but a number of mall-based clinics in the UAE are now offering just that option.
What’s more, the number of such facilities looks set to grow, as existing clinics report significant demand from visitors.
“Malls are a veritable hub in the UAE, where residents and tourists often spend entire days shopping, relaxing and meeting people. This is probably the reason why mall clinics are a natural fit, and we find that our clinics are very busy during peak hours,” David Eglington, general manager of Mediclinic Dubai Mall, told Gulf News.
The culture of visiting malls for a variety of experiences is common across the UAE, especially during the summer months when the heat makes outdoor activities and outings difficult. Shopping centres in the country have long included a wide range of amenities and community facilities, including mosques, pharmacies, daycare centres, salons and banks, and clinics appear to be the latest addition.
Currently, most mall clinics in the UAE offer primary health-care services, with access to family physicians, general physicians, paediatricians and internal medicine consultants. Patients’ most common concerns include the flu, respiratory infections, stomach-ache, falls and simple injuries, dental issues, lumps and bumps and dermatological conditions.
Some residents, however, appear unconvinced, preferring to keep their days out separate from medical checks that could be depressing.
“I would not visit a clinic while shopping or socialising, simply because it might add a sour note to my day. But perhaps if a mall-based facility was the closest medical centre to my home, I might consider going there. In fact, we have a lot of clinics located within shopping centres back home in Manila,” said Gia Carla Roque, 29, a media executive from the Philippines.
In Dubai, Mediclinic currently operates three health-care clinics in malls. The first of these was opened at Uptown Mirdif in 2008. A fourth was opened this summer at the World Trade Centre Mall, and a fifth is set to open by the end of this year in Al Ain’s Al Hili Mall.
Their Dubai Mall branch, which has been operational for nearly five years, is, however, the largest one at 5,760 square metres, and has provisions for diagnostic services and day surgeries, including endoscopies, cosmetic procedures and low-level gynaecological and urological surgeries. Eglington says that an extension of clinic working hours is now being considered to accommodate more visitors.
In Abu Dhabi, the VPS Healthcare Group has also opened a 17,000 square metre clinic at the Deerfields Town Square, the Burjeel Medical Centre (BMC). Clancey Po, chief executive officer at Burjeel Hospital, said the centre sees nearly 150 patients every day, and the volume is steadily growing.
“The concept of medical centres in malls is slowly gaining currency as many people who visit them for treatment also end up shopping or completing their weekly groceries,” Po added.
At present, BMC offers primary health care, diagnostic and laboratory services, as well as screenings for Emirati patients.
VPS Healthcare is also expected to open another 26,500 square-metre screening centre at Marina Mall by the end of the year, and this will provide diagnostic services to detect risk factors and first signs of chronic illnesses.
