The Middle East has seen an increase in digital health adoption due to technology advancements that have revolutionised how healthcare is provided – from preventive measures and diagnosis to interventions and self-care management. Much of the technology to do this comes from Europe. Last week, over 20 Irish companies were present at the Arab Health exhibition showcasing their leading solutions to healthcare buyers.
Eamon Sikafi, Commercial Counsellor at Enterprise Ireland – MENA, commented on the presence of Irish companies at the exhibition: “Ireland is a centre of excellence for the production and commercialisation of technologies and a leader in digital healthcare. We are delighted to be part of this event, which has been a platform to introduce the latest innovations to a wide range of industry stakeholders.”
The use of digital health technologies has been on the rise since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has accelerated its development, application, and take up during the pandemic. Digital health solutions have become a vital tool in ensuring continuity of care.
Digital health is an attractive proposition for governments due to its ability to benefit healthcare access, quality of care, and workforce productivity. Boston Consulting Group survey data from the UAE showed that 71 per cent of respondents had searched for medical information online, 66 per cent had booked medical appointments online, and 41 per cent had used video telemedicine. The global market for digital health is estimated to be worth $230 billion.
Potential Savings with Digital Health
Digital health offers numerous possibilities for identifying healthcare needs and delivering care more efficiently. According to estimates from Accenture, digital health could save $1.5 trillion to $3 trillion in healthcare costs globally by 2030. The market value for digital health in the Middle East alone is estimated to be $10 billion over the next five years.
The potential savings with digital health are substantial, but what is even more important is how it can improve patient outcomes and reduce costs while providing faster care access at lower cost for patients. Digital health solutions are revolutionising the world of healthcare and making a real difference in how patients receive care.
Digital Health Revolutionizes Healthcare Delivery
Digital health is nothing short of a significant step into the future, which both clinicians and patients are feeling. Its future possibilities could make it a revolutionary leap in healthcare delivery, on par with the introduction of penicillin. It holds the potential to completely transform how healthcare is provided and how people manage their own health.
The UAE and other countries in the Middle East have already embraced digital health solutions as part of their healthcare system. As digital health technology continues to advance, more countries will join in, leading to better access to healthcare services and improved patient outcomes.
source: https://gulfbusiness.com/irish-digital-innovation-in-the-middle-east/
