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Medical Homes to Improve Healthcare in Dubai

DUBAI - With a view to enhancing healthcare in Dubai, Dubai Health Authority is looking at the concept of medical homes, a model that has seen a lot of success in the US, in its upcoming healthcare plans, according to Dr Alya Ahmad, head of Paediatrics at City Hospital in Dubai Healthcare City.

She said the concept can be applied successfully because primary care is the cornerstone of healthcare here. She explained that a medical home does not refer to a building or hospital, but is continual care managed and coordinated by a personal physician with the right tools.

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) describes the principles of a medical home as: personal physician, physician-directed medical practice, whole person orientation, co-ordinated care, quality and safety, enhanced access and appropriate payment.

According to DHA’s plans, all residents will be required to register with Out-Patient Care Practices (OCPs) to access basic healthcare. The model is designed to revive the concept of a family doctor (personal physician). “This is where the medical homes concept fits in,” said Ahmad.

Dr Ahmad hopes the concept will work well in a scenario where health insurance has a wide reach, as it will make payment for healthcare easier. “With introduction of compulsory insurance this year, the industry is expected to become more regulated,” she said.

She said the concept of medical homes can go a long way in removing disparities in Dubai’s healthcare system. “At present, healthcare is very broken up in the country,” she said, adding, “Irregular healthcare affects children the most, especially those with conditions like asthma and diabetes, wherein patients require continuous care.”

“Selection of medicine too differs from physician to physician, leading to adverse drug reactions. But, a medical home can control this by integrating and co-ordinating administering of treatment,” she added.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com