Health

The health care sector was allocated 4% of the total 2013 budget, or some $1.3bn, which represented a 32% increase on 2012. The occurrence of non-communicable diseases has grown significantly in recent years, and the government has responded with plans for various large-scale projects, hospitals, health centres and prevention programmes, illustrating its commitment to addressing these challenges. At the same time, the government has complemented its health push with the recognition that the private sector must play a greater role. The trend toward private care is growing each year and the new medical cities and other facilities present opportunities for private players to break into the market.