DHA transforms health into a “Self-Service” experience through user-oriented technologies

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is reinventing the concept of health delivery by innovating more client-oriented technologies that put decision-making tools into users’ hands. This was evident at the GITEX Technology Week,  through the wide array of exciting technologies that were showcased and will soon be put right at the users' fingertips. 

The DHA is proactively seeking to apply the “self-service” concept to a wide range of platforms, which will enable users to access health information at any time, place or platform that is most convenient. This stems from the DHA's belief that the client should be at the center of all health services, which is reflected in the enhanced user experience. It is expected that in the long run, this approach will accelerate the delivery and access of healthcare, which in turn will yield a healthier society for Dubai. 

Epitomizing this user-oriented approach, the DHA innovated a new Web Portal to help users access diverse eServices and wide-ranging information that could positively impact their health. Another area in which the DHA is applying its client-centric approach is in exercise, in a bid to promote more active lifestyles and greater fitness. The DHA is in the process of developing revolutionary new motion sensing technology. Given that Dubai has a 100% mobile penetration rate, the DHA applied its “self service” approach to mobile devices through mHealth. This enables mobile users to access a diverse world of eServices such as viewing their lab results and X-ray reports via eResult, managing their scheduled appointments, keeping track of their medical prescriptions, children’s vaccination plans, pinpointing hospital locations, searching for highly qualified medical specialists in Dubai, staying updated on blood donation initiatives and a wide range of other benefits. 

Director General of the DHA, His Excellency Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid explained the client-centric approach: “As technology evolves, our mindsets are also evolving to look at health differently. It is no longer about hospitals being the only focus, but rather making the user our focus, and making all our eServices revolve around the user. That means empowering them with the tools to make an informed decision for themselves. Whether at home, at work or in a social setting, they can access our health information anywhere and anytime. The power is in their hands to determine their wellness. By merging technology and health, we are enhancing Dubai's status as a leading hub for world class healthcare, in line with our strategic goals.”  

Another major crowd-puller at the DHA stand was Sheryan - a revolutionary online licensing system that has marked a successful year of helping Dubai attract the best health professionals in smarter, faster and more efficient ways. 

Other innovations that contributed to the overwhelming popularity of the DHA’s exhibition included eClaims; a new all-in-one center for electronic transactions in the health ecosystem. It will be the central hub linking hospitals, patients, insurers, financial providers and the regulatory authority. 

In another extension of the “client-centric” concept, GITEX visitors could instantly get their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol measured. The results were uploaded in real time onto a “health wall”, to create a composite showing how healthy the average visitor was. Incidentally, the results indicated that the majority of visitors lead a healthy lifestyle; with 79.4% being non-smokers and almost 80% having blood sugar levels within the “Normal” range. In addition, most visitors recorded normal levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. Many visitors were inspired to take a pledge and commit to leading healthier lifestyles, by signing up on social media touchpoints at the stand. 

All these factors contributed to a consistently high volume of visitors to the DHA stand. These included VIPs, top-ranking government officials and IT leaders, who unanimously praised the innovation and creativity exhibited by the DHA’s technology.