Dubai Health Authority's Innovative Health Accounts System Gains International Praise

Dubai's healthcare economic strategy, as outlined by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), has garnered international acclaim from prestigious institutions such as the OECD, World Bank, and the University of Hong Kong. This recognition came in light of the publication of Dubai's tenth Health Accounts System for Dubai (HASD) report, which showcased the robustness and vitality of the emirate's healthcare insurance system. The report revealed that healthcare spending in Dubai reached AED21.4 billion in 2022, underscoring the sector's significant development and growth.

Sameh El-Saharty, a Lead Health Policy Specialist at The World Bank, lauded Dubai for its pioneering efforts in establishing a national healthcare accounting system at the emirate level in 2012. This initiative reflects Dubai's dedication to a transparent national healthcare accounting methodology and policy. El-Saharty pointed out that these efforts have resulted in a reduction of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses from 18 percent in 2015 to 10 percent in 2022. This decrease has notably improved financial protection for residents, positioning Dubai's rates as some of the lowest when compared to certain OECD and GCC countries.

David Morgan, Head of Health Accounts at the OECD, emphasized Dubai's distinct position due to its low out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure as a percentage of total healthcare spending. Morgan praised the DHA's healthcare accounting methodology for providing vital data to assess the impact of healthcare initiatives. He commended the Authority for utilizing various tools such as household health surveys and eClaimlink data to offer an accurate overview of healthcare spending.

Professor David Bishai from the University of Hong Kong acknowledged the value of the DHA's healthcare accounting methodology and policy. He noted its effectiveness in monitoring expenditure growth trends within the health sector and analyzing service types and beneficiary age groups.

Saleh Al Hashimi, CEO of Dubai Health Insurance Corporation, spoke about the significant transformations within Dubai's healthcare system. He highlighted the adoption of smart solutions and advanced technologies in managing healthcare services. Al Hashimi also stressed the collaborative efforts with strategic partners to provide a comprehensive and integrated healthcare insurance coverage for all societal segments.

The international praise received by the DHA underscores its successful implementation of a transparent healthcare accounting system. It also highlights the Authority's commitment to enhancing financial protection and elevating the quality of healthcare services in Dubai, marking a significant achievement in its ongoing development.

With inputs from WAM