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When I shifted to Dubai to take a job as a gynaecologist in a private medical setup, I experienced a working style and environment completely different from what I was used to. The structure, patient population, and available medications were all different. Yet, people are fundamentally the same everywhere.I worked at Medcare Clinic and Hospital, a well-known group that is part of the larger Aster group of hospitals. Our patient population was a mix of Indians, Pakistanis, Russians, Europeans, and local Emiratis. English was the primary language of communication, so there was rarely any issue. Occasionally, a patient required an Arabic or Russian speaker to help explain their problems. From the perspective of patients, some advantages of healthcare in Dubai include:
Advanced Technology and Infrastructure: Private medical care often has access to the latest technology and infrastructure. Regarding gynaecological care, almost all recommended tests or procedures are available at most clinics.
Accessibility: There are numerous clinics in every neighborhood offering services across major specialties, meaning patients don’t need to travel far for adequate care.
Health Tourism: Dubai is a hub for health tourism. Most hospitals offer packages that combine treatment with accommodation and other luxury services.
Insurance Coverage: Most Dubai residents have mandatory health insurance, either personal or provided by their employer, which covers a significant portion of medical expenses.
Diverse Healthcare Providers: Healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, come from various nationalities. Patients often have the comfort of communicating in their native language. For Indians, in particular, the environment is very welcoming as most hospitals have a large number of Indian employees, including doctors, nurses, IT staff, and office workers.
Personalized Services: Many centers offer personalized services and tailored treatment plans to meet individual needs.
Aesthetic Treatments: Dubai is also a hub for aesthetic treatments. Anti-aging procedures like fillers, Botox, facelifts, and gynaecological aesthetic procedures are extremely popular.
Some hospitals resemble 5-star or even 7-star luxury hotels, offering concierge/butler-serviced suites, in-room deliveries, and specially curated fine dining meals served in private rooms.Challenges Faced by Patients
High Medical Costs: Medical expenses can be exorbitantly high for patients without insurance, including temporary visitors or those whose insurance doesn’t cover a particular treatment.
Complex System: Understanding the healthcare system can be challenging, especially for expatriates. Choosing the right insurance policy, knowing what’s covered, and selecting the appropriate hospital or organization can be confusing.
Unnecessary Procedures: Some patients feel they are recommended unnecessary tests or procedures due to the profit-driven nature of private healthcare.
Fear of Litigation: Doctors’ fear of litigation can lead to an over-reliance on tests and investigations.
Despite these challenges, private healthcare in Dubai offers high-quality, world-class facilities for those who can afford it.
Life in Dubai Apart from work, Dubai is a beautiful, world-class city. It has a clean, air-conditioned metro system that runs on time and is often more reliable than driving due to traffic congestion. Huge departmental stores are on nearly every corner and sell everything you might need, including luxury items like gold and diamond jewelry from Indian chains.The city’s restaurants offer cuisines from all over the world, catering to all budgets. You can find 10-dirham Indian/Kerala thalis in Karama or dine at fancy Michelin-starred restaurants in Marina and JBR. Grocery stores stock food from around the globe, which I found fascinating.All in all, Dubai is a fascinating city, full of glitter and opportunities.