UAE in world's top 20 in healthcare spending per capita

UAE's health sector has consolidated its position as one of the world's top 20 in terms of spending per capita. The average spending of $1,200 per person per year is commendably high by international standards, and it is envisaged that this will set off a chain reaction that yields ripple benefits for the local health fraternity.

Among the benefits is the fact that increased spending by patients gives hospitals the financial clout to attract the world's sharpest medical talents. This is exemplified by the UAE's premier institutions such as Saudi German Hospital-Dubai, which has lured professionals from Germany and other European pacesetters.

Another facet of increased spending is that institutions can now afford to equip their departments and wards with state of the art apparatus.

This spans from diagnostic equipment to laboratory test facilities, operating theater machinery, life support systems and more.

The net result is that rather than opt to make expeditions for treatments in the US and Europe, UAE patients now prefer to get treated locally.

More patients now acknowledge that local institutions are equally adept - and, in the case of the afore-mentioned Saudi German Hospital-Dubai, sometimes even superior - to their American and European counterparts.

Dr Mohaymen Abdelghany, CEO of Saudi German Hospital-Dubai, was greatly enthused by the trend of increased spending: "This is a massive vote of confidence by patients, because they are voting with their pockets to show their confidence in local healthcare finesse and standards. At Saudi German Hospital-Dubai we have imported the very best assets - both in human and machinery terms. This gives our patients the best of both worlds. Now patients no longer have to wander across the world: we have brought the world to you." The UAE's increased spending per capita is geared to set off an ever-widening spiral of increased benefits:

Increased spending by patients ignites increased upgrades of equipment and personnel at hospitals, which in turn attracts investors to fund new facilities and innovations - which in turn stimulates growth in the health sector and the economy as a whole.

It is anticipated that if the current trend continues, the UAE will rise even higher from being in the Top 20 in healthcare spending, to being the undisputed frontrunner in sculpting the future of global health excellence.

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