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DUBAI/WAM
The 4th Emirates Health Economics Society (EHES) Annual Conference 2024, which recently concluded in Dubai addressed global and regional challenges in health economics, focusing on sustainable healthcare financing and value-based healthcare systems.
Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director-General of Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), highlighted the UAE’s leadership in health economics, supported by the country’s visionary approach to developing a sustainable healthcare sector. She noted that the regular issuance of the National Health Account facilitates systematic monitoring of health expenditure, aiding in the creation of evidence-based policies that ensure sustainable health financing and better resource allocation.
Al Kaabi emphasised that EDE places great importance on applying health economics principles in decision-making, particularly through innovative financing models for new drugs and treatments. She also underscored the importance of periodic economic studies on pricing policies in the pharmaceutical market and using artificial intelligence to manage health data.
Dr Sara Al Dallal, President of Emirates Health Economics Society, explained that the conference serves as a strategic platform to discuss current healthcare challenges and explore innovative initiatives. The sessions focused on value-based healthcare systems and included participation from health ministries across the Gulf, alongside experts from the United States, Canada, Germany, and France.
Dr Mohamed Farghaly, Professor of Medicine and Consultant in Diabetes, stressed the importance of balancing healthcare quality and cost-efficiency, a key focus of discussions during the event.
The conference also included high-profile sessions on healthcare financing, catastrophic health spending, and the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Experts from various countries shared insights on environmental health challenges, the financial impact of chronic diseases, and the future of healthcare delivery in the Gulf region.
Through the event, EHES aims to foster collaboration between specialists and address common challenges in the Gulf, enhancing the UAE’s position as a regional leader in innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions.