Leading the industry’s top healthcare company and becoming the first female CEO to lead an international health insurance company in the UAE, she will drive the organization’s strategic growth and expand access to high-quality healthcare solutions across the UAE while overseeing key markets in the Middle East and Africa (excluding KSA). This distinguished leader is Leo Cotterill, CEO of Cigna Healthcare MEA Region. MedEdge MEA had the opportunity to meet this top healthcare executive and received insightful responses from her.
MedEdge MEA: In your new role at Cigna Healthcare, how do you see the industry’s development in a dynamic environment?
Leah Cotterill: Characterized by rapid change, the ever-evolving healthcare industry requires an equally dynamic, yet highly strategic, approach to growth. Cigna Healthcare’s commitment to improving the health and vitality of the lives we touch gains momentum through diverse initiatives aimed at creating a better future for our customers.
Given the healthcare’s industry dynamism, regional and global conversations about driving impactful transformation are increasingly gaining traction, particularly addressing expanding accessibility and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies. In the UAE, the country’s robust economic growth presents unique opportunities for the insurance industry, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure, innovative technologies, and comprehensive care solutions.
Our primary focus is to continuously strengthen our efforts in the UAE and across the region, expanding access to care and our presence across markets. This further solidifies the company’s position as a comprehensive, One-Stop-Shop health insurance partner for employers operating in the Middle East and Africa, a key priority for Cigna Healthcare.
ME: How should we address the mental health challenges in the Middle East and Africa?
LC: Addressing the vulnerabilities that mental health challenges present requires a multifaceted approach, which takes into consideration individual, social, and structural factors. Governments across the region are implementing policies to enhance the provision of mental health services. In the UAE, the National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health aims to increase awareness and foster results-oriented multi-sectoral collaboration.
Paving the way for a significant shift in the region, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has recently launched a comprehensive, integrated framework to support mental well-being across communities. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE, the Mental Wealth Framework reflects the importance of urgent, proactive action. At Cigna Healthcare, we are fully aligned with the framework, which includes ten initiatives to be implemented over the next five years, with an investment of AED 105 million, and the UAE’s wider vision.
By addressing mental health challenges through comprehensive support, innovative programs, and strong partnerships, Cigna Healthcare is committed to creating a healthier, more resilient future for populations across the region.
ME: What key wellness trends are shaping the healthcare industry, and how should organizations adapt?
LC: The healthcare sector across the Middle East and Africa has seen significant transformation, with the UAE leading several key advancements. The adoption of digital health technologies such as AI and mobile health apps is transforming healthcare delivery, making it more accessible and personalized, improving patient outcomes, and reducing costs.
For example, by integrating AI, healthcare providers can transition from a treatment-based model towards a prevention and wellbeing-geared approach. Wearable health technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, can monitor up to 7,500 physiological and behavioural variables in real time, enabling healthcare providers to offer more personalized care.
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Pharmacological innovation, especially in gene therapy and personalized medicine, is making significant strides. Gene therapy offers treatments for genetic disorders that were previously untreatable, although the costs can be high. The UAE’s National Genome Strategy is advancing genomic medicine to accelerate personalized, preventive, and precision medicine solutions, combating chronic, genetic, and rare diseases, and positioning the country at the forefront of medical innovation.
ME: What strategies are most effective for managing and reducing costs in health insurance?
LC: The cost of medical care globally reached unprecedented figures in 2023, surging from 7.4% to 10.7%. In 2024, the cost of medical care in the Middle East and Africa is projected to increase by 12.1%, up from 11.3% in 2023. This rise is driven by factors including the adoption of new medical technologies and an increased need for care due to geopolitical shifts.
However, the region is well-positioned to tackle challenges, as evident in the UAE’s continued economic expansion, driving investments that enhance healthcare quality and access. Additionally, the region is expanding its pool of highly skilled healthcare professionals. By attracting and retaining top talent, we can improve the quality of care and manage costs more effectively.
Our primary focus is to continuously strengthen our efforts in the UAE and across the region, expanding access to care and our presence across markets.
Leah Cotterill CEO of Cigna Healthcare MEA Region (outside KSA)
Embracing digital health solutions is a critical priority. Growing demand for digital health technologies, such as telemedicine, is transforming healthcare delivery and reducing costs. For example, the use of telemedicine in the UAE has demonstrated a potential reduction in healthcare costs by up to 25%, while simultaneously improving the efficiency of service delivery.
The UAE’s investments and policy frameworks are enhancing healthcare information technologies, including telemedicine, electronic medical records (EMRs/EHRs), data analytics, and mobile applications aimed at improving patient engagement. Engaged patients are more likely to participate in preventive care, resulting in lower healthcare costs. By focusing on these factors, health insurers can better manage costs, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.
