Get treated at home than travel abroad

A growing trend that has been noticeable in the recent past is global medical experts extending their help to local patients making it possible for them to get their treatment done in the country itself without having to travel abroad.

Dr Haroon Choudhri, an American Board certified neurosurgeon, said since the UAE is dynamically developing in the health sector, patients now don't necessarily have to travel abroad for major surgeries, as they have local and global experts right at their doorstep.

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During a Press conference held at the Universal Hospital on Tuesday, Dr Choudhri, who has also won the Castle Connolly Top Doctors in the United States 2015 Award, highlighted that more and more patients in the UAE now prefer to seek treatment at home because it is simply easier and becoming more efficient.

"I certainly believe that the health care and medical industry in the UAE is developing rapidly," he said. "The trend is towards increasing the capabilities and reliability of treatments. There is also an overall transition from being a source of outgoing medical tourism to becoming a source of incoming medical tourism," he added.

Dr Choudhri, who is also a Professor of Neurological Surgery and Chief of the Section of Adult Neurosurgery at Georgia Regents University, noted that he was rather impressed with the multidisciplinary teams and medical experts in the capital.

He suggested that with adequate training, capabilities and equipment required for comprehensive spine surgeries, more patients will be able to seek treatment in the capital, rather than having to travel abroad.

Dr Choudhri pointed out that those who suffer from spinal pain may not necessarily have to undergo surgery, which is often the last resort. He highlighted that there are at times other less drastic measures which can be carried out to help the patient heal. "Sometimes patients can recover from the pain with the help of simple injections or even physiotherapy."

Dr Choudhri advised that patients need to look at a number of factors before making a decision. "It is perfectly natural to seek treatments closer to home. They only need to be sure of three factors: medical care is competent; they are properly cared for with respect to their cultural needs; and recommendation for local treatment is medically sound," he said.

Having a wave of international experts in the capital is certainly helping the nation's progress in medical care. However, he pointed out that there are certain specialised options available in certain parts of the world.

"Certain conditions can be better treated in America. However, we are going to dedicate resources to increase the capabilities of surgeries and treatments in Abu Dhabi itself. Over time, less patients will require travel," he added.

jasmine@khaleejtimes.com