The two-day forum starting on February 21 will host 23 lectures and eight panels to discuss the future of medical tourism. Silvia Razgova / The National
The two-day forum starting on February 21 will host 23 lectures and eight panels to discuss the future of medical tourism. Silvia Razgova / The National

DHA announces Dubai's first health tourism forum



The unique pulling power of Dubai as a holiday hot spot is helping to secure its position as one of the market leaders of global health tourism, industry experts have said.

The city will host the first International Medical Tourism Forum next month, with Dubai hoping to position itself as the go-to destination for patients looking to experience the best combination of hospitality and medical excellence.

The two-day forum starting on February 21 will host 23 lectures and eight panels to discuss the future of medical tourism, the latest technological advancements and how health insurance can work across international borders.

“In line with the vision of our leaders, the DHA is working towards developing a robust medical tourism sector in Dubai,” said Humaid Al Qutami, chairman of the board and director-general of the Dubai Health Authority.

“Dubai’s attractive location along with the availability of high-quality medical professionals and technology has enabled the city to build a strong and favourable platform to build its medical tourism capabilities.

“We are constantly working on developing this sector, keeping in mind patient safety, high-quality health services and excellent patient experience.”

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Although figures for last year are due to be announced at next month’s forum, Dubai witnessed an overall growth of 9 to10 per cent in the number of medical and health tourists in 2016, similar to international industry growth.

The emirate received 326,649 international medical tourists, generating revenue from international patients worth more than Dh1 billion.

The official health tourism website of Dubai, DXH.ae, gets an average of 10,000 monthly visitors searching for information to help identify certain medical treatment packages.

Dubai’s strategy for health tourism includes a charter of patient's rights and responsibilities, with which medical tourists can understand their rights before arriving in Dubai for health care.

To help reassure patients that Dubai is a safe clinical destination, a specialist health insurance policy has been created for visitors.

Underwritten by Alliance Insurance Company and backed by Alliance Global and Lloyds of London, it costs just Dh150 and provides cover while in the UAE for a variety of situations, including emergency medical expenses and up to US$50,000 (Dh183,650) for each insured individual.

“Dubai’s efforts are aimed at easing the entire patient journey,” said Dr Layla Al Marzouqi, director of Health Tourism Council.

“To facilitate the arrival of medical tourists, the DHA works with a third-party company to provide coverage.

“This policy is an important ‘safety net’ in the event of any unforeseen complications that may arise from treatment in the emirate.”

Kamindu Mendis bio

Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis

Born: September 30, 1998

Age: 20 years and 26 days

Nationality: Sri Lankan

Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team

Batting style: Left-hander

Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)

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Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani

Rating: 4/5

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Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

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Lynsey Addario, Penguin Press

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Through Her Lens: The stories behind the photography of Eva Sereny

Forewords by Jacqueline Bisset and Charlotte Rampling, ACC Art Books

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Transmission: seven-speed auto

Power: 420 bhp

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Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
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Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
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Power: 154bhp

Torque: 250Nm

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How The Debt Panel's advice helped readers in 2019

December 11: 'My husband died, so what happens to the Dh240,000 he owes in the UAE?'

JL, a housewife from India, wrote to us about her husband, who died earlier this month. He left behind an outstanding loan of Dh240,000 and she was hoping to pay it off with an insurance policy he had taken out. She also wanted to recover some of her husband’s end-of-service liabilities to help support her and her son.

“I have no words to thank you for helping me out,” she wrote to The Debt Panel after receiving the panellists' comments. “The advice has given me an idea of the present status of the loan and how to take it up further. I will draft a letter and send it to the email ID on the bank’s website along with the death certificate. I hope and pray to find a way out of this.”

November 26:  ‘I owe Dh100,000 because my employer has not paid me for a year’

SL, a financial services employee from India, left the UAE in June after quitting his job because his employer had not paid him since November 2018. He owes Dh103,800 on four debts and was told by the panellists he may be able to use the insolvency law to solve his issue. 

SL thanked the panellists for their efforts. "Indeed, I have some clarity on the consequence of the case and the next steps to take regarding my situation," he says. "Hopefully, I will be able to provide a positive testimony soon."

October 15: 'I lost my job and left the UAE owing Dh71,000. Can I return?'

MS, an energy sector employee from South Africa, left the UAE in August after losing his Dh12,000 job. He was struggling to meet the repayments while securing a new position in the UAE and feared he would be detained if he returned. He has now secured a new job and will return to the Emirates this month.

“The insolvency law is indeed a relief to hear,” he says. "I will not apply for insolvency at this stage. I have been able to pay something towards my loan and credit card. As it stands, I only have a one-month deficit, which I will be able to recover by the end of December." 

Going grey? A stylist's advice

If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”

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Manchester United 1

Mata 11'

Chelsea 1

Alonso 43'

The biog

Marital status: Separated with two young daughters

Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo

Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian

Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness

Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon

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Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
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Director: Trevor Nunn

Starring: Judi Dench, Sophie Cookson, Tereza Srbova

Rating: 3/5 stars

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Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6

Power: 400hp

Torque: 475Nm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Price: From Dh215,900

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Kesari

Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Produced by: Dharma Productions, Azure Entertainment
Directed by: Anubhav Singh
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra

 

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