The rise of digital health in the GCC

The GCC countries have some of the best healthcare facilities in the world. The GCC region is seeing a rise in the use of digital health technologies as the ‘new normal’. This is in line with the global trend of healthcare organisations using technology to transform the delivery of care. The GCC region is well-positioned to take advantage of digital health technologies, with a high-tech infrastructure and a young, digitally-native population.

In a region where people are used to receiving the best possible care, health authorities are turning to technology to provide top-notch services virtually. Virtual care, also known as telehealth or e-health, is the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely. There are many different types of virtual care services that are available. This can include everything from consultations and appointments to diagnostics and treatments, online doctor visits, mental health counseling, and even nutrition and fitness coaching. No matter what type of care you need, there is likely a virtual option that can meet your needs.

The GCC has already seen a number of initiatives launched in recent years to promote the use of virtual care. It has a population of around 51 million people and an area of 2.15 million square kilometers. With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), these countries have had to change the way they provide care. And it’s not just the GCC countries that are embracing virtual care. Across the world, the use of telehealth is on the rise, as more and more people look to take advantage of the convenience and flexibility it offers. According to a report from Grand View Research, the global telehealth market is expected to reach $176.8 billion by 2025.

In the past few months, we have seen a number of digital health initiatives being launched in the Arab world in response to the pandemic, from online doctor consultation platforms to contact-tracing apps. And, as the region starts to emerge from the pandemic, it is likely that we will see even more digital health solutions being developed and adopted in the Arab world. So, what does the future of digital health in the Arab world look like?

Here are five predictions for the future of digital health in the Arab world:

1. Virtual care will become the new normal

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven a dramatic increase in the use of virtual care solutions, such as online doctor consultations and e-prescriptions.

And, as the pandemic continues to evolve, it is likely that virtual care will become the new normal in the Arab world.

2. More startups will enter the digital health space

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a fertile environment for digital health startups.

Not only is there a growing need for digital health solutions, but the pandemic has also led to an increase in funding for digital health startups.

In the past few months, we have seen a number of digital health startups being launched in the Arab world, and this is likely to continue in the coming months and years.

3. Digital health will become more affordable

One of the barriers to the adoption of digital health solutions in the Arab world has been the cost.

However, as more startups enter the space and competition increases, we are likely to see the cost of digital health solutions decrease.

4. The healthcare system will become more digitized

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a more digitized healthcare system.

From digital health records to contact-tracing apps, there are a number of digital health solutions that can help to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system.

In the future, we are likely to see the healthcare system in the Arab world become more digitized, as more and more solutions are adopted.

5. Digital health will have a positive impact on public health

Digital health solutions have the potential to have a positive impact on public health.

From early detection of diseases to better management of chronic conditions, digital health solutions can help to improve the health of the population.

In the future, digital health solutions are likely to play a key role in improving public health in the Arab world.

Here are some insights from the region’s digital health stakeholders:

• The Ministry of Health in Kuwait has launched a virtual health service called “Sehaty”. Sehaty is a free service that provides Kuwaiti citizens with access to healthcare professionals via chat, voice call, or video call.
• In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Health has also launched a virtual health service called “Sehaty”. Sehaty is a free service that provides Saudi citizens with access to healthcare professionals via chat, voice call, or video call. The Sehaty app has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times since its launch in March 2020.
• In the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Health Authority has launched a virtual health service called “DHA Care”. DHA Care is a free service that provides Emirati citizens with access to healthcare professionals via chat, voice call, or video call.
• The Qatar Ministry of Public Health has also launched a virtual health service called “Mawid”. Mawid is a free service that provides Qatari citizens with access to healthcare professionals via chat, voice call, or video call.
• Oman has also launched a virtual health service called “Oman Telemedicine”. Oman Telemedicine is a free service that provides Omani citizens with access to healthcare professionals via chat, voice call, or video call.
• Bahrain has also launched a virtual health service called “ Bahrain Telehealth”. Bahrain Telehealth is a free service that provides Bahraini citizens with access to healthcare professionals via chat, voice call, or video call.