Technology Magazine March 2018 | Page 357

MIDDLE EAST way in terms of MEA ’ s healthcare innovation and help governments realise this segment of their various visions for the future , whether it be UAE Vision 2021 , Saudi Arabia vision 2030 or Egypt Vision 2030 .
“ It is crucial that private companies and governments work together in making this happen ,” he says . “ I think that private sector innovation will be absolutely key in helping governments to get the best value from their healthcare expenditure . Public Private Partnerships are already proving to be a model of success in the countries we are working in .”
From volume to value Another observation Schelper makes is that , generally , the regional healthcare space is moving from a volume to value-focused proposition .
Sound financials , value delivery and patient outcomes now interoperate – this is no better demonstrated than by the widely-accepted view that clinicians need to spend their time on delivering best-in-class care and not be burdened with administrative tasks .
“ In this respect , technology is absolutely the foundational , transformative vehicle ,” Schelper states . “ The UAE is in a unique position because its IT infrastructure is already very far advanced , and the mindset is there to take it a level higher . It is this foundation which will allow information to flow freely – we have the public sector on board and medical organisations are putting credible systems in place .” Indeed , the UAE is currently implementing a National Unified Medical Record , a central database that will allow institutions across the country to share medical data .
“ Consumer centricity will be an inevitable focus for healthcare ,” Schelper adds . “ We need to make sure that the right information is available at any point in time to provide the best care .”
Trust in technology The requisite technology to deliver the likes of UAE Vision 2021 and Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 already exists . The largest obstacle to overcome ,
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