Abu Dhabi’s advanced medical and digital ecosystems are paving the way for the emirate’s economic recovery from the pandemic-related downturn, according to a new Covid-19 Response Report (CRR), produced by Oxford Business Group (OBG) and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA).
The report highlights the emirate’s effective and innovative health care response to the pandemic, which included a swift scaling up in testing capacity, the introduction of Alhosn app, as well as the UAE’s Covid-19 vaccination rollout.
“While Abu Dhabi has long been considered a leader in innovation, the global pandemic accelerated many transformations in health care and innovative technologies including the use of telemedicine, robotics and artificial intelligence for service delivery,” said Tarek Fathey, group CEO, SEHA.
The digital health care solutions in Abu Dhabi, including telemedicine and online health solutions, are witnessing positive post-pandemic growth prospects on the back of the emirate’s digital transformation, according to the CRR.
“The UAE and Abu Dhabi had developed a modern and effective public health system before the arrival of Covid-19, which included the rapid adoption of digital solutions and new technologies in health care,” said Jana Treeck, OBG’s managing director for the Middle East.
“With digital transformation accelerating further as a result of the pandemic, we expect to see opportunities emerging in Abu Dhabi’s health care sector for providers to develop new services that will enhance outcomes and meet rising demand from both local and international patients,” she added.
The sustained investment in improving health care systems and medical infrastructure meant Abu Dhabi was able to respond quickly and effectively to the pandemic, shared the report. Complementing the implementation of innovative medical digital solutions, the vaccine clinical trials undertaken in Abu Dhabi helped position the emirate as a key link in the global medical R&D industry, according to the report. This was highlighted by the joint-venture between the local company G42 Healthcare and Sinopharm to produce Covid-19 vaccines in Abu Dhabi.
