GCC Healthcare Concerns: Key Challenges and Solutions for Residents

By Melike Belenli Gümüş

November 19, 2024

The article from Middle East Health, titled “What are GCC residents’ healthcare concerns?” and authored by Dr. Basil Al Sharef and Dr. Mayada Elnegouly of CMC Hospital Dubai, highlights the pressing healthcare concerns faced by residents in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Notably, the survey conducted by CMC Hospital Dubai reveals significant insights into these healthcare concerns.

Healthcare Concerns

Lifestyle diseases are becoming a major concern in the GCC. A recent survey involving 1,680 residents from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, and Kuwait identified the top healthcare concerns. The primary concerns include:

Obesity, Diabetes, and Musculoskeletal Issues: 23% of respondents reported these as their top healthcare concerns. Obesity and diabetes are interlinked conditions that are approaching epidemic proportions in the region, largely due to lifestyle factors such as excessive fat leading to insulin resistance.

Surgically-Related Digestive Diseases: 26% of respondents identified digestive diseases, particularly those requiring surgical intervention like colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as a significant concern.

These conditions are linked, as obesity often leads to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reports that the GCC has some of the highest diabetes rates globally, driven by sedentary lifestyles and diets high in sugar and fat.

Furthermore, obesity contributes to liver diseases, such as metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). These conditions can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer if not addressed early.

Causes and Implications

Lifestyle Factors: The rise in chronic diseases is attributed to changing lifestyle patterns. Sedentary lifestyles and poor physical activity contribute to musculoskeletal problems, such as back, neck, and spine issues.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment: The article emphasises the importance of early diagnosis to prevent irreversible damage from chronic musculoskeletal issues. Delays in seeking help often stem from fears related to surgical intervention or misdiagnosis.

Healthcare System and Infrastructure

Healthcare Expenditure: The GCC region has seen significant investment in healthcare, with expenditure growing from $86.8 billion in 2020 to $104.1 billion in 2022. This investment reflects the region’s commitment to improving healthcare services.

Quality of Care: Despite the investments, challenges persist regarding the quality and accessibility of care. The article highlights the need for a collaborative approach involving governments, healthcare providers, educators, and individuals to address these healthcare concerns.

Preventive Measures and Future Directions

Prevention Over Treatment: The authors advocate for focusing on prevention rather than solely treating illnesses. A culture of health, promoting preventive measures, and investing in advanced healthcare solutions are essential.
Population Engagement: Emphasising community involvement in healthcare reform efforts is crucial. Understanding people’s priorities helps integrate their voices into policy and reform initiatives.

Regional Variations

Country-Specific Concerns: The survey noted variations in healthcare concerns across different GCC countries. For example, digestive diseases were particularly concerning in Kuwait, while musculoskeletal issues were more prevalent there as well.

Conclusion

The article highlights the need for a multifaceted approach to address the growing healthcare concerns in the GCC region. Emphasising preventive care, enhancing early diagnosis and treatment, and ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare services are paramount. Involving various stakeholders and integrating population feedback will be crucial for aligning healthcare reforms with people’s needs.

Reference url

Recent Posts

Novartis patent cliff layoffs
     

Engineering Resilience: Mastering Pharma Patent Expiration Strategy

🚨 Are you still reacting to pharmaceutical patent expirations with layoffs and litigation, or are you ready to engineer a strategy that turns the patent cliff into your next competitive edge?

Patent expirations don’t have to derail your pharma portfolio. Learn how to outmaneuver generics and transform challenges into advantages. Dive into our latest insights and take control today.

#SyenzaNews #pharmaceuticals #innovation #PharmaStrategy #patentcliffs

diabetes medicine access
               

Improving Diabetes Medicine Access: Key Changes in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

🚀 Are we on the verge of a breakthrough in diabetes medication accessibility?

The latest updates to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are set to transform type 2 diabetes management by expanding access to essential medicines like empagliflozin and streamlining the prescribing process for glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). These changes not only prioritize equity for high-risk populations but also align with global trends in cost-effective healthcare.

Dive deeper into how these revisions could reshape diabetes care and promote better health outcomes for all.

#SyenzaNews #HealthcareInnovation #healthcare #MarketAccess

HPV testing HNSCC
    

HPV Testing in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

🔍 Are you up-to-date with the latest advancements in HPV testing for head and neck cancer?

Our comprehensive article looks into the innovation of diagnostic methods for HPV status determination in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). From traditional p16 immunohistochemistry to innovative liquid biopsies, discover the critical role these advancements play in prognosis, treatment planning, and improving patient outcomes.

Look into this essential topic and see how these insights could revolutionize clinical practices.

#SyenzaNews #oncology #HealthTech #HealthcareInnovation

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2025 Syenza™. All rights reserved.