BUSINESS

Dubai, the number one medical tourism destination in the Arab region and the 16th health tourism destination globally, says expert

January 23, 2018
Dr. Layla Mohamed Al Marzouqi, Director, Health Tourism Council, Dubai Health Authority
Dr. Layla Mohamed Al Marzouqi, Director, Health Tourism Council, Dubai Health Authority

Dubai’s strategic location, the availability of skilled medical talent and the latest technology have empowered the emirate to develop a strong position in the global health tourism sector. “Today, Dubai continues to be the number one medical tourism destination in the Arab region and the 16th health tourism destination globally,” said Dr. Layla Mohamed Al Marzouqi, Director, Health Tourism Council, Dubai Health Authority.

“Dubai Health Experience is enabling Dubai fulfill this vision ever since it was launched in April 2016. The launch of www.dxh.ae and the DXH mobile app, allows health tourists the opportunity to compare and choose from over 600 healthcare packages that are designed to meet each individual’s desires. Dubai’s official health tourism website attracts an average of 10,000 unique visitors per month,” she added.

The packages on offer are provided by our DXH Group members, which have been carefully evaluated by the Health Tourism Council. The number of the partnering healthcare facilities has exponentially increased from 25 to 45 members in less than two years.

“Our strategic partners from the public and the private sectors are constantly collaborating with us to achieve our target of attracting 500,000 health tourists by 2021. We are continuously implementing strategic approaches including easing the visa issuance process for tourists coming from Russia and China. Such initiatives have enabled us to increase health tourist numbers,” she emphasized.

Additionally, ever-evolving developments in Dubai’s wellness sector empower the emirate to continue attracting investments and talents, which will ensure in providing quality healthcare access to residents as well as tourists.

"We are broadening the health tourism’s portfolio to position Dubai asa holistic wellness provider. For instance, the emergence of projects like The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel, the first holistic wellbeing resort in the Middle East, is adding another edge to Dubai’s offerings in the health tourism sector,” she stressed.

There were a number of particular medical tourism initiatives announced that can set Dubai apart as a key destination. “All of DXH’s initiatives are truly holistic and our strategy is designed to keep the patient’s interest at the heart of all activities. Dubai’s health tourism digital portal, www.dxh.ae, includes a charter of patient's rights and responsibilities. Furthermore, the DHA has created a medical complaints procedure for any health tourist who is dissatisfied about the received healthcare service. The process has been designed to address issues based on the level of severity, and provide families with a clean timetable for resolution. To facilitate the arrival of health tourists, we work with a third party company to provide coverage. This policy is an important "safety net" in the event of any unforeseen complications that may arise from treatments in the emirate. What makes the destination truly unique is the fact that the health tourism program is led by the government, which brings all sectors together to deliver a highly integrated experience,” she commented.


January 23, 2018
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