A small but significant number of people living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are seeking medical help overseas, according to a survey.
In a joint study, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai Statistics Centre found poor communication, burdensome waiting times and a lack of specialist services have contributed to eight per cent of expats and Emiratis to find alternatives abroad.
As to the treatment such individuals experienced outside of the UAE, a massive 91 per cent stated they were satisfied, with 94 per cent citing the high level of communication received from medical professionals as one of the reasons for feeling content.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Eldaw Sulaiman, head of Research and Performance Management, Health Policy and Strategy Department at the DHA, said that various measures are to be considered to encourage residents to seek treatment within the emirate they are based in.
“In addition, we are currently developing a health care service navigator – an online tool to help anyone search for a doctor by speciality, experience and reputation,” he told Gulf News.
“This tool will be a reality in the next few years. There are also continued efforts to increase the trust people have in our health care ability and achieve excellence in health care service delivery through quality service programmes.”
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