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KT edit: Dubai a hub for smart medicine

The city is already a hub for health tourism and the aim is to attract 500,000 medical tourists by 2021.

Dubai's 'Doctor for Every Citizen' initiative could be a game-changer in health care that will be driven by smart, digital systems. The ambitious scope of this project will do wonders to the health of Emiratis and other residents in the long term as costs come down. This project could catch serious conditions early through 24/7 monitoring of citizens who can live healthier, fitter lives. Life expectance will increase as people take measures to prevent lifestyle diseases and avoid frequent trips to health centres and hospitals.
It will reduce the strain on families and society while making it more economical and even eco-friendly. A brainchild of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, this initiative puts citizens and their well-being on top of the agenda. A healthy society is vital for nation-building and Dubai is making full use of the digital technologies at its disposal to stamp its mark on the health industry and in the field of medicine. The city is already a hub for health tourism and the aim is to attract 500,000 medical tourists by 2021.
The emirate is using its geographical strength to its advantage by opening its health system to the world while giving back new ideas to the sector that is tasked to lives. It is attracting the best doctors and health professionals who are securing its place as a healthy place to live in. Hospitals are digitally networked and patient records are online which makes it easier and quicker for people to get the treatment they need from the best physicians in the world.
Tele-medicine has also come of age in the country and with the city making rapid strides in the technology sector, a doctor is just a call or a swipe away. A smartphone is all people need to access and get on the health grid and find a doctor. Consultations can be fixed and citizens can reach out to physicians to be treated for diabetes, allergies, hypertension and dermatological issues. These are early days yet and the project is being rolled out in phases but the potential is enormous. With smart medicine being increasingly used in the country, more citizens will be covered and better health outcomes can be expected. Technology has been the great enabler as Dubai outpaces other cities to emerge as the hub for digital health treatments. What next after this scheme? A doctor for every resident?