As the globalization of the healthcare is becoming a reality with the world becoming more interconnected through social media and internet on a constant basis than ever before in areas like (economy,energy,environment,security, etc.) and why not healthcare? If we all agree that health is the most valuable commodity and now there is a global competition to capture this growing global healthcare market, there are unique opportunities that do exist where you combine value proposition with efficient delivery of services whether through Tele-Medicine that now even is accessible from any mobile phone or physically traveling to get a procedure or a surgery that you need through medical tourism.
In medical tourism, patients now shop globally for the best services and best prices.
So what comes to mind for the US to become successful in getting the business of Arab health, there has to been common values providing the best care with respecting deeply routed cultures and traditions to make patients comfortable which will in turn contribute positively to healing both physically and mentally. It helps get rid of stranger anxiety and stress through proper navigation across the geographic, cultural, and linguistic barriers. And through professional services to the patient that are coupled with universal values of compassionate care only then will be able to gain the trust of the patients.
Trust is something that cannot be bought and was the most discussed issue when I had the pleasure of attending the U.S-Arab Healthcare Summit in New York City last June which was rather informative and refreshing to attend multiple panel discussions and presentations on hot topics such as Hepatitis C, Women's Health, early cancer detection, patient safety, and appropriate health screenings to reverse the very alarming rate of chronic diseases which are largely preventable by introducing wellness, proper nutrition, exercise, stress management and getting rid of bad habits such as smoking and physical inactivity. All across oil-rich GCC (Gulf Countries) and the rest of the Arab world, there is need to improve healthcare access at all levels.
With expected increase in patient mobility as well as physicians in the in-bound and out-bound directions between the U.S and Arab world with personal, professional, and human interactions which will foster better patient care, better U.S-Arab relationships and will have a positive impact on global health and peace.
I am a proud American with deep roots in the Arab world and as a physician I would certainly invite everyone who wants to contribute to fostering good and healthy relationships in all areas of healthcare delivery. I strongly recommend to mark your calender for October 19th for the US-Arab Healthcare Summit which will be held in New York City (www.C3-summit.com), and participate as a presenter, sponsor, exhibitor, or simply someone interested in becoming a part of the global community of collaboration and improvement of healthcare in the Arab world.