Emirates: The UAE’s healthcare sector continues to lead regionally and globally in medical services and scientific achievements this year, according to a study.

The Legatum Institute Prosperity Index Report ranked the UAE in the top position in three key global competitiveness indexes in the healthcare sector: early detection programs, scope of medical coverage and antenatal care coverage.

The Gulf country also secured the second global rank and the top regional spot in the Health Outcomes Index, according to the 2022 Open Data Inventory report by Open Data Watch. 

Furthermore, it emerged as a regional leader in the Middle East and Africa, topping the list in drug innovation and regulatory approval processes, reported the state-run news agency WAM. 

But that is not all. The country also leads the Gulf Cooperation Council countries’ healthcare spending growth rate with a projected investment of $30.7 billion in the sector by 2027, marking an annual growth rate of 7.4 percent, according to the international investment banking advisory firm Alpen Capital.

In its ongoing commitment to the sector, Emirates Health Services launched in March the Innovation Strategy, which aims to ensure the sustainability of the healthcare sector and contribute toward the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 and We the UAE 2031 vision, in line with the UAE Centennial 2071. 

In February, the nation’s healthcare authorities, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Health Authority, launched Tatmeen, a platform that aims to safeguard and secure the healthcare supply chains, underscoring the UAE’s strategic approach toward drug assessment and approval processes. 

The UAE’s healthcare expenditure has been on a steady rise, increasing from 3.8 billion dirhams ($1.03 billion) in 2016 to 4.8 billion dirhams in 2023. 

The growth of the country’s healthcare infrastructure remains a top priority, while developing its healthcare workforce is a key focus area, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to fostering a robust healthcare system.