China, Russia and Africa Are New Target Markets for ‘Healthcare Tourism’: Dubai Health Experience

The core team from Dubai Medical Tourism Council, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), responsible for healthcare tourism in the Emirate, visited Canadian Specialist Hospital, who is one of the DXH ( Dubai Health Experience) Group members since the inception of the initiative. During the visit the team met the International patient team and other doctors to share the plans and discuss strategies to attract more patients into the city.

Dubai witnessed an influx of 326,649 international patients from various parts of the world in the calendar year of 2016 up 9.5% from the previous year. 

“It is a matter of pride that Dubai has come to be considered as a benchmark in healthcare, by many of our neighbors, in such a short time. Statistically, we have a strong influx from our neighbouring nations and the Asian region. Our strategies are being channeled into making Dubai a preferred healthcare destination in the other African nations, China and Russia among other countries," stated Dr. Layla Al Marzouqi, Director of the Dubai Medical Tourism Project, Dubai Health Authority.

Plans are underway to strengthen Dubai’s position in the health care sector, on the basis of sophisticated infrastructure and adoption of the latest equipment. Close to 80% of the hospitals in Dubai are accredited, marking it as the city with the highest number of accredited hospitals. This is further augmented with a team of 35,000 healthcare professionals from 110 nationalities greeting patients in their own language.

Dr. Yashar Ali, CEO, Canadian Specialist Hospital commented, “Canadian Specialist Hospital has a fully functional department dedicated to international patients. We have been promoting Health Tourism since 2006 and are recognized as one of the leading health tourism centers in Dubai. We offer a variety of packages for people with different needs and resources including orthopedics, ophthalmology, dental, dermatology, wellness and preventive health check-up and assisted reproductive techniques.”

Dubai is currently placed 75^th globally and 1st in MENA for providing quality of life to its residents. Medical care and health considerations are among the deciding factors taken into account in achieving this distinction.

Addressing the future of Dubai as a global Health Tourism hub, Mr. Hussain Anani, COO, Canadian Specialist Hospital stated, “Support from the tourism, hospitality and aviation industry would be a boon in achieving the industry’s goals. Initiatives to set up dedicated channels with international and local travel agents, hotels and passenger carriers would be instrumental in providing a comprehensive package for those in need of medical attention”. 

Canadian Specialist hospital has a full-fledged team that manages the necessary arrangements for international patients, starting from visa and accommodation till consultation and transportation, based on the requirements of the individual.