UAE: Hospital launches VVIP service for patients

Ajman - This includes a concierge, valet parking facilities, a separate VVIP entrance and a lounge.

Thumbay University Hospital Ajman, the largest private academic hospital in the Middle East, has launched 'Marhaba Service' for its patients. This service will cut wait times for patients and offer a truly personalised service that combines the efficiency of a hospital with the comfort and services of the hospitality industry.

The novel concept is the first in the UAE and offers personalised service for both in-patient and out-patient services.

The service includes a concierge, valet parking facilities, a separate VVIP entrance and elevator, a 'Marhaba Lounge' and a personal Guest Relations Officer who escorts the patient throughout their journey.

"Being a patient-centric hospital, we are always looking at newer and more innovative ways to enhance our services. The 'Marhaba Service' provides a different direction, setting new benchmarks for the healthcare industry. I feel that our sector has a lot to learn from hospitality, as they both share many core characteristics and serve to the ever-demanding, well-informed customers," said Dr Manveer Singh Walia, COO, Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman.

"The hospitality industry is always re-inventing itself by continually coming up with fresh and extraordinary ideas to amaze their guests, and it's important that healthcare players leverage this knowledge and its successful advances towards strengthening their patient satisfaction levels."

Patients at the 'Marhaba Lounge' are served complimentary drinks and get access to the hospital's 'movie theatre' and a 'therapeutic garden', an innovative approach to rehabilitation aimed at providing holistic recovery to patients.

Patients opting for this service can expect the doctor to attend to them at the lounge and provide examination/diagnosis at their comfort. All other services such as registration formalities, consultation, procedures, documentation, billing, blood sample collections, medicine procurements, medical reports, admission process and follow-up appointments etc., are done on a priority basis, requiring minimal waiting times.