• Home

Dubai think-tank to devise healthcare funding model

DUBAI — The Dubai Executive Council’s Health Insurance Committee (HIC) yesterday announced the formation of a strategic think-tank as part of the extensive consultation process being undertaken to determine the best possible funding model for Dubai’s healthcare system.

The advisory panel will comprise five world-renowned experts with global, regional and local expertise in health and health finance. The think-tank will be attending a number of orientation seminars and meetings in Dubai to familiarise themselves with the current health system.

It will provide advice and guidance to the HIC as it continues to progress its consultation programme and continues to formulate a broad framework for the future funding of a more efficient and effective healthcare model within Dubai.

Among the healthcare experts chosen are Prof. Marc Roberts from the Department of Health Policy and Management at Harvard University; Dr Akiko Maeda, Health Sector Manager for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region at the World Bank; Prof. Phua Kai Hong, Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management at the National University of Singapore; Prof. Marjorie L. Baldwin, Director of the School of Health Management and Policy at Arizona State University; and Ibrahim E. Muhanna, who has provided extensive advice to global institutions, governments and business for over 30 years. Secretary-General of DEC Ahmed bin Byat said: “The think-tank is about combining international expertise with specialist local knowledge.”

“The government is committed to finding the right solution for Dubai drawing upon a broad base of advice and expertise.”

“These specialists have a wealth of experience on advising national governments, global institutions and other bodies around the world on the economics and financing of suitable healthcare models. Coupled with the induction programme, the think-tank will add to the feedback we are already receiving from the local market where we are continuing to consult with a range of local and regional experts across both the insurance and healthcare sectors.”