Invest in a healthier tomorrow

Dr K P Hussain, chairman of Fathima Healthcare Group, speaks on how the group pioneered affordable healthcare for UAE residents, and the company's 2021 plans.

Before Fathima Healthcare Group (FMC) began its operations, most UAE residents could not afford health insurance due to high premiums. The government urged insurance providers to lower premiums to make health insurance accessible to all. In a first-of-its-kind move, FMC's chairman, Dr K P Hussain noticed this gap and created a basic plan so the people of UAE could access comprehensive and affordable health insurance. The group is one of the leading companies in the health insurance business in the country, since 1997, and is the brainchild of Dr Hussain, chairman. He observed many residents suffering from various chronic illnesses, unable to access comprehensive and cost-effective health services due to high insurance premiums. In 2000, his desire to aid the lower-income sector of the society brought about the 'cost-effective medical insurance scheme'.

Since then, the group has continuously improved and expanded themselves in order to stay relevant and actively respond to the increasing demand of the health insurance industry. Fathima Healthcare Group was the first company to obtain the license as a third-party administrator (TPA) under the patronage of Insurance Authority, UAE. Currently, the group is partnered with eleven insurance companies.

"Attaining the support of 11 insurance companies for low-cost medical insurance was a difficult feat. We blended the knowledge of healthcare managers and hospitals to promote and propagate affordable medical insurance schemes across the country," said Dr Hussain.

FMC has strong relationships with national and international insurance companies, with an extensive list of more than 2,500 health care providers, and over 10,000  corporates. The group emphasises 'knowledge-based practice and evidence-based treatment' advocating the ideology that 'health is a lasting investment' for all through its wide range of health insurance coverage. FMC's approach is catered towards customer satisfaction and ensures appropriate high-quality medical care to its members. The team consists of staff with expertise in varying fields such as finance, information technology, claims management and reimbursement, etc.

Recently the company received accolades from the Insurance Authority UAE in the category of Outstanding Health Insurance TPA for applying financial controls, for the year 2020. The award was presented by Ibrahim Obaid Al Zaabi, director general of the Insurance Authority. Speaking on this accomplishment, Dr Hussain said, "Since our inception, FMC has followed the guidelines issued by the Insurance Authority. We are very thankful to be one amongst the selected institutions, recognised for our financial discipline." 

During the year 2020, FMC had been busy joining with Dubai Health Authority pandemic relief committee and other welfare associations who relate with Dr. Hussain. FMC provided food for around 5000 unemployed families. The company also provided air tickets to 50 stranded employees who wanted to travel back to their home countries. During Ramadan the group participated in a charity event and fed around one million people at Iftar.

Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, Dubai Health Authority housed infected patients, as well as doctors and nurses treating them, in isolation in several buildings. FMC outsourced 40 doctors and nurses to aid the government authority. Dr Hussain was quick to praise his staff saying, "The doctors and nurses have done a wonderful job, taking up the risk and being isolated from the rest of the world for four months. We made sure to award them for their exemplary work." The group also made informative pamphlets to advise UAE residents on how to be cautious, and care for themselves and others during the pandemic.

The company has ambitious plans for 2021 with an expansion to Egypt and Houston on the horizon after extensive research and strategising. "Egypt is coming up very well, and a similar scheme as the one implemented locally, will be suitable to the country," commented Dr Hussain. Though the Houston offices were opened earlier in 2020, they were unable to continue operating due to the pandemic induced recession. Dr Hussain is optimistic that the offices will reopen in mid-2021 after vaccines are administered to most of the public.

In 2014, partly due to Fathima Healthcare Group's and Dr Hussain's dedication to providing comprehensive and cost-effective healthcare for all, the government made medical insurance compulsory for every resident in the UAE. "It is my pride that my company and I had a part to play in the fact that 90 per cent of the country's residents now have access to affordable medical insurance, and continue to invest in their health and well-being," said Dr Hussain with pride.

Dr. Hussain in discussion with late President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam regarding the empowerment of weaker sectors of society.