HAAD Highlights Abu Dhabi’s Health Sector Investment Opportunities at Arab Health 2016

H.E. Professor Dr. Maha Taysir Barakat, Director General of the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi said: "Our participation at Arab Health will see us work towards fulfilling our commitment to deliver an integrated continuum of care for all. We will be providing investors with a comprehensive plan that details the sector’s capacity and outlines current and future demand for health services. This plan is the first of its kind in the region, and will aid investors in making informed decisions that will contribute to their success and serve the overall development of the health sector." According to HAAD 2014 statistics, the number of hospital beds in the Emirate totaled 5,737. HAAD conducted a planned facilities study where results confirmed the need for additional 2,100 beds by 2025. Growth in demand is expected for general medical services and services linked to lifestyle-related diseases, e.g. diabetes and cardiovascular diseases and cancer with larger volume increases in outpatient settings. HAAD has also identified capacity gaps in a number of specialties including Psychiatry, Orthopedics, Neonatal, Intensive and Critical Care Medicine, Plastics and Surgical Oncology. Additionally, HAAD continues to stress the need for further investment in other disciplines such as specialty Paediatrics, Immunology, Infectious diseases and Urology.

Compared to 2013, the percentage increase in the number of doctors working in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi amounted to 10% in 2014, or a total of 8,885. There was a 15% increase in the number of nurses, bringing the total up to 16,577 compared with 2013. Additionally, there was an 11% increase in the number of pharmacists bringing the total up to 2,688, and an 8% in technicians and support services staff bringing the total up to 5,743.

Health statistics indicate that the number of licensed health facilities in 2014 reached 1,811 including 45 hospitals, 991 medical centers and clinics, and 557 pharmacies, with the private sector providing 70% of these healthcare services in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. According to HAAD 2014 statistics, 2.76 million are covered under the health insurance scheme in the Emirate, with 42 licensed health insurance companies. 22.1 million Claims were registered with 99.1% of claims for outpatient. Arab Health is being held between January 25 to 28 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information about healthcare investment in Abu Dhabi, visit the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi in Hall 5 at stand 5B30.