Health

Fuelled by higher incomes; the growing, ageing population; a rise in the prevalence of lifestyle diseases; and the introduction of mandatory health insurance, Abu Dhabi’s health sector has expanded rapidly in the past five years. Given demographic trends, in 2011 the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD) estimated that by 2021, Abu Dhabi will need up to an additional 1900 doctors, 5300 nurses and 1700 hospital beds. The government is building new facilities, hiring doctors and training nationals to keep pace with demand. Meanwhile, private providers are taking up the numerous opportunities presented by this growing market. The private sector will likely expand by investing in high-volume needs such as reproductive health or communicable diseases, while areas such as acute and tertiary care are expected to remain the purview of government hospitals. This chapter contains interviews with Mohammed Sultan Al Hameli, Chairman, Health Authority - Abu Dhabi; and Saif Al Qubaisi, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA).