Advancements of Healthcare Technology in Dubai
Emirati woman picks up medication delivery from the drone technology, “Robot Doc” in Dubai. Picture credits to Screen Grab, Gulf News.
By: Yaara Aleissa / Arab America Contributing Writer
Turning healthcare around
Healthcare technology is not an unfamiliar phrase and it has become a focal point of discussion in many hospitals across the world. Some additions that have become prominent include the use of telehealth, electronic medical records wearable technology to monitor heart rate and blood vitals, and 3D-printed organs.
A catalyst for this turnaround in healthcare technologies was COVID. The required distancing forced providers to make use of online communication tools which then opened the doors to the many other pathways technology offers. However, even before the pandemic Dubai had emerged a software designed specifically for tracking loT devices. This includes basics such as phones and smartwatches to medical sensors and security systems.
Today, Dubai has integrated all charting to be solely online at all their hospitals. They have realized the concerns of their patients, they want telemedicine to be more accessible.
“[T]eleconsultation topic came on the table, but it was not accepted at all at that time…now, even patients are asking for it. I should say, the patients demanded it more than the hospital’s willingness to launch it,” Joseph George, Regional Technology Head at Aster Hospitals and Clinics, said.
Dubai does hold some advantages. They have spent decades rebuilding the infrastructure of their country. Alongside investing in “Smart City Initiatives” which utilize more complex technological tools. Showcasing that the country is not limited in its innovative ideas.
Redefining the role of technology
Recently, a new innovation in the tech city is the Dubai RoboDoc. In June, Dubai did its first trial run with the RoboDoc which successfully delivered medicine from the hospital to a patient’s house. RoboDoc is a drone that operates through Dubai Silicon Oasis, an academic-focused smart healthcare facility.
The success of this trial has opened the way for then Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai to deliver medication promptly to patients. The use of drones eliminates geographical barriers that may limit patients from being able to get medication on the same day due to on-ground difficulties. Currently, Dubai ensures it will be at access to all citizens of the city once the practice begins consistently at the hospital. With the hopes to provide equitable access to medication.
Technology provides benefits that can address public health issues. Therefore, making it a necessity that these systems that are now becoming normalized in hospitals are providing fair and equal access to all patients. Having a system that can complete tasks efficiently means nothing if efficacy is not met.
Impact on care
As change continues to emerge tied directly with technology access becomes a prominent issue. Services such as drones allow patients to get their medication without having to directly be there. It addresses the issue of access. Therefore it showcases that it is possible to provide equitable care that everyone has access to.
The future of Dubai will continue to grow in its technological advancements. UAE businesses have become more innovative after the difficulties of the pandemic. It is in agreement that a majority of UAE citizens, 88 percent, believe that it is “more important than ever for innovation to focus on public health and the challenges facing society”.
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