The one-day event, accredited by CME, fielded experts from across the globe to discuss cutting-edge advancements in cardiac care
kt network9 hours ago
With Dubai and Abu Dhabi ranked among the top 10 global destinations for people travelling overseas to obtain medical treatment, the GCC has secured the title "medical tourism capital of the world", with the UAE ranked first in the GCC, as per a new global index.
The latest Medical Tourism Index for 2020-2021 ranked Dubai and Abu Dhabi ninth globally. Among GCC countries, Oman was ranked second and Bahrain came in at third, according to the Medical Tourism Association. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have been placed fourth and sixth, respectively.
As all its member countries ranked on the index of leading destinations to seek treatment, the GCC medical tourism market, which is on track to reach $28 billion by the end of 2024, has claimed the position as the medical tourism capital of the world.
Overall, Canada took the crown as the No.1 destination for medical tourism on the index developed by the International Healthcare Research Centre based on American perceptions of medical care in 46 places abroad. The US was followed by Singapore, Japan, Spain, the UK, Dubai, Costa Rica, Israel, Abu Dhabi and India among the top 10.
The destinations were rated in different criteria, including the state of the medical tourism industry, destination attractiveness and quality of care.
The rankings in the index are based on a variety of factors, including the destination environment, patient experience, current levels of medical tourism, and the attractiveness of traditional tourism.
Judges praised Dubai's "comprehensive system", while Oman was noted as a "high quality healthcare destination". Bahrain's high number of annual visitors and connection to neighbouring Saudi Arabia via the 25-kilometre King Fahd Causeway were highlighted as key factors in its ranking as a medical tourism destination.
Prominent health institutions have been operating in the region - including the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, which operates in Bahrain, along with the planned $270 million King Abdulla Medical City, which provides opportunities for further healthcare investment.
Bahrain is becoming a regional leader in specialised healthcare - with particular strength in cardiology and oncology - offering exciting growth opportunities, a centralised location and promising talent. A focus on medical technology is driven by strong technical infrastructure, which also helps to provide more research data to enhance medical practices.
The value of the GCC medical tourism market was about $15.5 billion in 2017, and it is expected to grow to $28 billion by the end of 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of about 8.8 per cent between 2018 and 2024.
According to the International Medical Travel Journal, global medical tourism spends on foreign treatment for GCC citizens amount to more than $2 billion per year. This high level of demand has resulted in an increase in local facilities offering new options for citizens, residents and tourists alike.
- issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com
The one-day event, accredited by CME, fielded experts from across the globe to discuss cutting-edge advancements in cardiac care
kt network9 hours ago
The inaugural flight took off on Thursday, May 2, according to Indian media outlets
uae9 hours ago
The former security guard set for international debut after famously taking the wicket of Steve Smith with his first ball in Test cricket in January
sports9 hours ago
Mohammed Fattah Al Burhan Rahmane was riding his motorbike in Ankara in March when he collided with a utility vehicle
mena10 hours ago
Those who do not have permits will be directed to return to their point of origin, the Directorate of Public Security said
asia10 hours ago
Nijjar, 45, was shot dead outside a Sikh temple on June 18 in Surrey, a Vancouver suburb
world10 hours ago
The two-time Grand Slam champion, who won the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon last year, turns 21 on Sunday
sports11 hours ago
Turkish president says the move is also aimed at increasing the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza
mena11 hours ago