Africa UAE Business Summit highlights contrasts in healthcare systems

Dr Ahmed Al-Samad, a General Practitioner and CEO of United Healthcare Solutions, shared valuable insights into the healthcare landscape in Dubai.

Dr Ahmed emphasized Dubai's reputation as a hub for healthcare professionals, with approximately 22,000 licensed doctors in the city.

He noted that the market has become increasingly competitive, especially after COVID-19, as many healthcare professionals from around the world, including Africa, have sought opportunities in Dubai.

 "Dubai is an incredible place for healthcare professionals to work. The market has become quite competitive, especially after COVID, with a lot of doctors, nurses, radiographers, and healthcare assistants coming here for work. The pay is good, and many people who come here end up loving the place and looking for job opportunities."

"There are approximately 22,000 licensed doctors in Dubai, making the healthcare provider market quite competitive. However, despite the competition, Dubai offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals,"  said Dr. Ahmed. 

Highlighting Dubai's healthcare infrastructure, Dr Ahmed mentioned that the city boasts 52 hospitals, with 47 offering a wide range of specialities and the remaining five to seven being specialized centres. He praised the efficiency of Dubai's healthcare system, noting that waiting times are minimal, even during peak hours.

"In Dubai, when you arrive at a hospital, you have access to all diagnostic tools, imaging facilities, and doctors. If you require emergency surgery, it can be arranged promptly. This level of service is considered standard in Dubai's healthcare system."

"Dubai is known for its exceptional healthcare services. It's a place where almost anything is possible. The city is equipped to handle a wide range of medical needs, and the services are available to those who can afford them," added Dr. Ahmed

Discussing medical tourism, Dr. Ahmed noted that while Dubai attracts patients from various countries, including Africa, there is a lack of organized medical tourism agencies facilitating these visits. He highlighted the need for more streamlined processes to attract patients seeking specialized medical services.

Dr. Ahmed also touched on the availability of advanced medical services in Dubai, such as stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine, as well as round-the-clock dental services.

He emphasized that Dubai offers a wide range of medical services, provided one has the financial means to access them.

The Panel also featured Cecily Muthoni, a radiographer at M.P. Shah Hospital who highlighted the critical role of radiographers in the medical field, emphasizing that "you cannot have medicine without diagnosis."

She expressed admiration for the efficiency of healthcare in Dubai and expressed a desire to see similar standards in Kenya.

Muthoni pointed out that one of the main challenges in Kenya is the shortage of radiologists, leading to delays in providing timely diagnoses and treatments. She also stressed the importance of having efficient systems in place to handle critical cases that require urgent attention.

Discussing the impact of the lack of facilities on diagnosis, Muthoni explained that without specialist radiologists, healthcare practitioners may resort to guesswork, leading to misdiagnoses.

She emphasized the need for more radiologists in Kenyan hospitals to improve the quality of healthcare services.

Addressing the issue of job opportunities in the healthcare sector, Muthoni acknowledged the challenges faced by many medical graduates in finding employment, especially in the public sector.

She highlighted the importance of being open-minded and proactive in seeking opportunities, including pursuing further education and considering opportunities abroad.

The Africa UAE Business Summit focused on medical tourism and compared healthcare in Dubai to other parts of Africa. Dr. Ahmed Al-Samad discussed Dubai's healthcare, noting its competitiveness with 22,000 doctors and efficient services.

He also highlighted the need for better processes in medical tourism. Cecily Muthoni discussed challenges in Kenya, like a shortage of radiologists and job opportunities for medical graduates. The summit highlighted the need to improve healthcare in Africa.