International economic heavyweights, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank, along with the University of Hong Kong, have lauded Dubai’s approach to healthcare economics, led by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
The accolades follow the release of the tenth edition of Dubai’s Healthcare Accountability Report “Hassad” by the DHA at the close of 2023. This comprehensive report transparently showcased the robustness and dynamism of Dubai’s healthcare insurance system, highlighting its sustainability, service evolution, and substantial healthcare spending, totaling 21.4 billion dirhams in 2022 alone.
Dr. Sameh El Saharti, Head of Health Accounts at the World Bank, commended Dubai’s pioneering initiative in establishing a national health accounts system in 2012. This initiative not only covered the Emirates but also extended to the GCC cities and the wider MENA region, reflecting Dubai’s clear vision in leveraging robust financial evidence for regulatory decisions. He credited the Dubai Health Authority for its commitment to implementing a clear methodology and policy for national health accounts.
El Saharti noted the challenges in improving financial protection within healthcare systems, citing Dubai’s remarkable success in reducing individual healthcare expenditure from 18% in 2015 to 10% in 2022. This reduction significantly eased financial burdens and enhanced financial protection for Dubai’s residents, positioning the Emirate among the lowest rates compared to selected OECD and GCC countries.
David Morgan, Head of Health Accounts at the OECD, highlighted Dubai’s distinction in healthcare spending as a percentage of total health expenditure, underscoring its exceptional status compared to other GCC countries and OECD member states. He emphasized the importance of Dubai’s healthcare accounting methodology in tracking expenditure trends, analyzing service types, and identifying beneficiary demographics.
Morgan emphasized the significance of the Dubai Health Authority’s issuance of the latest Healthcare Accountability Report “Hassad” ten years after its inception in 2012, highlighting its role in monitoring regulatory changes and healthcare system performance.
Saleh Al Hashimi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation at the DHA, noted Dubai’s healthcare sector’s radical transformations, emphasizing its management based on smart solutions and the latest technologies. He highlighted collaborative efforts to provide comprehensive health insurance tailored to all segments of society, based on meticulous planning, precise indicators, and modern tools to ensure sustainable healthcare provision exceeding community expectations.
