Thumbay Group, the pioneer of UAE medical tourism

dubai - The UAE is evolving as a hub for medical tourists from all over the world

As the UAE expands its portfolio of specialised medical services and care, the majority of residents look towards seeking treatment in the country rather than going to their home countries, specialists say.

Akbar Moideen Thumbay, vice-president of the healthcare division at Thumbay Group, said that medical services in the UAE have dramatically improved over the past few years.

"Before, many of the hospitals in the UAE provided very basic treatments, care and services. If someone needed to have a serious operation or needed very specialised care, they would often fly back to their home countries for that medical procedure," said Thumbay.

"However, several hospitals have opened up all across the UAE in the past couple of years and many of them have multiple departments that offer specialised services. As a result, the cost of healthcare in the UAE - which used to be very high - has now reduced, and people are more comfortable with seeking healthcare in the country," he explained.

Thumbay also spoke on how the UAE is evolving as a hub for medical tourists from all over the world. Inbound medical tourism, he noted, has increased over the past couple of years.

"We like to call ourselves the pioneers of medical tourism in the UAE," said Thumbay. "We were the first hospital to have a department specifically to promote medical tourism to the UAE. Currently, we have recorded a sizable influx of medical tourists."

Thumbay said the group had observed an increasing number of patients from the African region travelling to Thailand and India to seek medical treatments.

"Our strategy was to target and attract these travellers to the UAE. This has become easier due to the improved air connectivity and growing awareness of the various services that we offer. Our prices are much cheaper and our quality of service is of far superior quality. In addition, we are also attracting a fair number of medical tourists from Eastern Europe."

He also revealed that the group has a welcome centre in Sharjah Airport, specifically for the purpose of welcoming medical tourists. The group is in discussions to open more such centres.

"We are trying to be present close to every household in the country. Our efforts are focused on providing the best services and quality of care," said Thumbay. "Our portfolio of services has evolved alongside the vision of the rulers of the UAE. Healthcare and education have always been on the top of their agenda and we are proud to align our future strategy with that vision."

Thumbay Group plans to open several new hospitals in the UAE, GCC and India. The group has plans for 15 more hospitals to be operational by 2020. The latest upcoming hospital is a 350-bed teaching hospital in Ajman that will be the biggest in the region when it opens in Q4 2017.

- rohma@khaleejtimes.com

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