Digital technologies impacting healthcare delivery, outcomes

Under the patronage of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, the Healthcare Financing and Revolution Summit kicked off on Tuesday at the Jumeriah Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi.

Over 40 international, regional and local experts in the field share their wealth of knowledge via evidence-based and hands-on workshops with breakout sessions and interactive discussions over the course of the two-day summit.

Dr. Hamed Al Hashemi, Director of the Strategy and Corporate Performance division at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, delivered a keynote speech on the first day of the event, stressing on the importance of adapting to new technologies and ensuring that the healthcare sector is well equipped to undergo a digital transformation.

“Worldwide and across all industries, technology is changing the way that we do things - and the healthcare sector is no exception. Digital technologies are impacting healthcare delivery and outcomes, and at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, we are committed to staying abreast of these changes to meet the needs of the population and build a world-class healthcare sector for the capital,” said Al Hashemi.

“The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi is dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of Abu Dhabi residents through prevention, access in addition to delivering integrated, innovative, high quality and cost effective healthcare,” Al Hashemi continued.

Lina Jichi, Manager of Health Financing Advisory and Monitoring Department, also delivered a speech where she addressed the impact of predictive analytics on cost efficiency initiatives. Following that, Dr Michael Bitzer, CEO of Daman gave a presentation touching on the “Past, present and future outlook of Health insurance in Abu Dhabi”.

The ‘Middle East Healthcare Financing Summit’ will tackle topics such as healthcare sector expansion, investments into the sector, and economics of healthcare sector with a special focus on insurance.

Meanwhile, the parallelly held ‘Middle East Healthcare Revolution Summit’ explores innovative practices and technology adoption in the healthcare sector. The sessions on the first day of the summit discussed how disruptive technologies, such as block-chain, is transforming healthcare services in the UAE, in addition to the role of clinical documentation and importance data in improving patient experience.

The event is hosting special workshops lead by industry experts on both days. The workshop on day one was entitled “Clinical Documentation Improvement CDI and the impact of ICD 10”, whereas the workshop on day two will “Potential initiatives to enhance access for innovative medicines in the UAE”.

“We can see Abu Dhabi focusing on new innovations in addition to a great digital health transformation approach driving the highest standards of care, connecting the entire healthcare ecosystem, while safeguarding patients’ interest and cybersecurity”, said Dr. Doaa Said, managing Director of Maarefah, the organiser of the event.

“Abu Dhabi has the potential to be one of the most advanced cities in the world and it has the required human capital with required skills who are capable of providing and maintaining a world-class medical services, also we are thankful for the event’s support that we have received from the Department of Health”, added Dr Doaa.

Organised by Maarefah Management, the event will host healthcare regulators, healthcare experts from insurance companies; healthcare providers, chief medical officers, innovation and ICT directors from hospitals; senior managers in quality and patient services; and head of government funding agencies etc.

The Summit is supported by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi and sponsored by leading organisations such as Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association Gulf (PhRMAG), Mecomed, SAGE, SAP, Oasis, and others.

Maarefah Management is a world-class event, training and association management company that works closely with government institutions, industry bodies, and professional associations to help individual’s career development in order to grow and sustain successful businesses.

Through four main divisions, Maarefah offers comprehensive professional services ranging from events management, leadership development training, market research and association administration across a number of industries.

The company’s conferences and specialised training courses are developed by well experienced technical committees who create up-to-date scientific and technical programs tackling current and critical industry issues.

Business Bureau, Gulf Today