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Roadmap for healthcare system reform outlined at gulf conference

Disease burden reduction, financial sustainability and quality of care improvements. The three principles that will guide development of healthcare systems in the gulf region, according to representatives of the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) speaking at the Economist Conferences' Healthcare in the Gulf summit yesterday.

As governments look to the future, the impending rise in number of people living with, and dying from, non-communicable diseases promises to stretch resources. Across the gulf region, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. Prevalence of its risk factors - diabetes, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking and physical inactivity - is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. Indeed, the health of the region could be considered to be worse than in other parts of the world as these diseases are generally affecting people earlier.

"Reducing the burden of disease represents a significant challenge for the region's governments and as we heard today, there are many different ways to approach this," said Delia Meth-Cohn, Editorial Director CEMEA, The Economist Group and conference chairperson. "Even within the UAE, HAAD and DHA have adopted different approaches to tackling this issue - with the HAAD focusing on disease management programs, while the DHA focuses on driving prevention initiatives - and it is likely that a range of strategies will need to be employed."

HRH Princess Dina Mired, speaking at the meeting, suggested that one strategy to reduce disease burden is to empower people to take steps to look after their own health. But she also cautioned that educating people about how to take responsibility for their own health will only be successful if they have access to healthcare services they need and that these systems are regulated to ensure quality of care.

Indeed ensuring quality of care across the region was a key focus of the meeting. Healthcare providers spoke frequently of the difficulties in attracting highly skilled medical personnel to the region. While governments are working to ensure that all healthcare providers achieve, and are accredited to, international standards.

"The desire to improve quality, access and standards is widely acknowledged as critical to reducing disease burden in this region," continued Delia Meth-Cohn. "The ongoing challenge will be how to fund the necessary changes and how to balance the complementary financial roles of governments and private companies."

Healthcare in... series

Healthcare in the Gulf is part of a wider Healthcare series of events taking place in March 2012 around the globe. For further details on our Africa, Asia and Europe summits, visit:www.economistconferences.com/health

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About Economist Conferences
Economist Conferences is the leading provider of international forums for senior executives seeking new insights into strategic issues. These meetings include industry conferences, management events and government roundtables held around the world. As part of the Economist Group, publisher of The Economist newspaper, it is a highly respected brand with a 160-year history and an unrivalled reputation for excellence and independence.

Each meeting organised by Economist Conferences delivers objective and informed analysis. Meetings provide exceptionally high-level forums where senior executives can gain insights, exchange views and compare strategies.

For more information please contact:
Rima Taha
Email: rima@figmentcommunications.com
Tel: +971 55 2993234

Joanne Basford
Email : Joanne@figmentcommunications.com
Tel : +971 56 6800 234

© Press Release 2012

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