Dubai, UAE- October 2024- The 4th Emirates Health Economics Society (EHES) Annual Conference 2024 recently concluded its proceedings at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel in Dubai, with the participation of elite global experts from various countries. The conference, which took place from 2-4 October, aimed to discuss international and regional challenges in health economics, with a focus on sustainable healthcare financing strategies and the development of value-based healthcare systems.

Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) affirmed that the UAE has achieved leadership in health economics both regionally and globally, thanks to the visionary leadership’s support for developing a sustainable and innovative healthcare sector. This is reflected in the regular issuance of the National Health Account, which helps systematically monitor and analyze progress in health expenditure. It also allows for improved planning and the establishment of evidence-based policies for sustainable health financing, resource allocation, and future investments, contributing to the governance and competitiveness of the healthcare system, making it more responsive to societal needs while enhancing transparency and accountability.

Al Kaabi added: “Emirates Drug Establishment places significant importance on applying health economics principles in decision-making and policy formulation. The interrelated dynamics of finance, economics, policies, regulations, and healthcare are central to our efforts toward building a sustainable and efficient healthcare system. The Corporation is also working on developing innovative financing models for new drugs and treatments, ensuring equitable access while maintaining the sustainability of the healthcare system.”

Dr. Sarah Al Dalal, President of the Emirates Health Economics Society, explained that the conference serves as a strategic platform that brings together top global experts to discuss current and future challenges in the healthcare sector and explore innovative initiatives to develop advanced healthcare systems. The sessions focused on value-based healthcare systems, with the participation of health ministries from Gulf countries and experts from the United States, Canada, Germany, and France, along with specialists from Arab countries such as Egypt and Algeria.

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Dr. Al Dalal noted that the conference presented pioneering studies aimed at improving the efficiency of health budget utilization and highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the quality of healthcare. It also shed light on the role of the private sector in reducing health disparities and offering innovative solutions for disease prevention and addressing health challenges like cancer and chronic diseases, contributing to improved healthcare system outcomes.

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Farghaly, Professor of Medicine, Consultant in Diabetes, and Founder of the Center for Value, emphasized the importance of studying healthcare expenditure fundamentals to ensure an effective balance between healthcare quality and associated costs. He noted that this balance is essential for enhancing the efficiency of healthcare systems, allowing high-quality healthcare services to be provided to UAE citizens and residents.