The waiting lists for routine surgeries on the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) have led to a surge in patients heading to the UAE for medical care.
A record number of people – more than 5.45 million – are currently waiting for treatment at NHS hospitals in England, according to figures released last month, with many having joined the waiting list in recent weeks. While the UK health bodies are working more closely with general practitioners, pharmacists and other local health providers to try to reduce the number of patients requiring hospital treatment, dealing with new referrals and tackling the backlog are huge challenges. For many, the potential two-year wait for treatment – such as a knee operation or hip replacement – is too long and they are looking to seek treatment at private facilities and turning to the Middle East where treatment is not only faster, but also cheaper than private care in the UK.
Circumventing UK delays
Rahul Shukla, the director of local patient services at Burjeel Holdings, also told Al Arabiya English that the hospital group has witnessed a surge in patients eligible for care under the NHS coming to the UAE for routine treatments.
“We have witnessed greater interest from patients from the UK for elective procedures that have a longer waiting time (back home),” he said. “We particularly see patients coming from the UK for orthopedic, ophthalmology and dental care. However, recently, we are also receiving enquiries for weight loss treatments and general surgeries.”
Shukla said international travelers have long identified the UAE as a wellness destination, including for health screenings, aesthetics, fertility solutions and dental care. Apart from the NHS waiting list, there are other factors that have prompted people to seek medical care in the UAE. Patients who sought medical care in the UAE during and after COVID-19, when the Gulf state controlled infections greatly through stringent policies and curbs, helped spotlight the UAE as a prime medical tourism destination.
“(Also) the UAE has a large network of internationally accredited hospitals, along with global healthcare talents. Its three mega cities, leisure facilities, support infrastructure, such as a range of hotels, and seamless local transport have further contributed to the ease of accessing healthcare in the UAE,” Shukla explained.
Competitive pricing
Shukla said competitive pricing in the UAE makes it an attractive destination for patients in the UK
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