While many healthcare organizations started to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic’s once-in-a-lifetime disruption and challenges in 2022, many are launching right into a new service environment that will significantly alter how healthcare is received and provided.

The intense pressures and significant service disruptions during the last couple of years can still be present in some markets. But in an effort to meet the changing needs and expectations of patients, healthcare providers are now looking into new service workflows and technologies.

There are top trends that will shape the sector in 2023, but how each organization responds will rely on its own particular problems.

1. Accelerated adoption of digital technologies to enhance patient outcomes

Patients can become active partners in their care and manage long-term diseases because of advances in digital technology. Healthcare professionals are increasingly using virtual consultations, telemedicine, digitally equipped and assisted intensive care units (tele-ICUs), remote monitoring services, at-home lab diagnostics, and online medication ordering.

2.  Local supply networks becoming more resilient and growing

As challenges in locating and supplying personal protective equipment (PPE), testing supplies, and some vaccines revealed local gaps and global interdependencies, the pandemic exposed weaknesses in supply chains. In order to increase domestic production capacity through onshoring and investment and prevent further shocks, governments have begun to recognize their role in doing so.

3. Traditional and alternative medicine is gaining popularity.

This market sector is predicted to increase at a faster rate than the overall market over the next five years, with a CAGR of 24%.

The UAE’s rapidly aging population is expected to increase demand for specialized services and wellness centers in the future, particularly as patient behavior shifts toward preventative care models and the use of alternative healing therapies to manage healthcare risks and chronic conditions.

4. Healthcare and smart cities integration

Smart cities use linked technology to improve the lives of their residents. The government’s Smart City strategy in the UAE includes improving mobility, healthcare, safety, and social connectedness. In the future, smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT) have enormous potential to bring healthcare and patient empowerment into the home, office, and leisure places.

Much like a new project that couples urban infrastructure with technology to improve people’s lives and how they interact with their environment, there will be a greater emphasis on integrating various touchpoints of daily life to optimize the way a city is designed and operates.

Summary

The UAE’s dynamic healthcare industry is well-positioned to benefit from emerging technology and rising digitization. The UAE is poised to further solidify its position as a center for top-notch healthcare and innovation with continuing strong regulation and investments in research and development.