Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

UAE’s health insurance industry has witnessed a sea-change over the last two years, with the uncertainties of the pandemic making everyone realise the need to have a good-coverage health insurance policy, according to delegates that gathered at the 5th Annual Health Insurance Conference & Awards.

It was revealed during a panel discussion that technology has changed the landscape of health insurance industry and innovations in the health insurance products are very important for growth and efficient services.

Hosted by Thumbay group healthcare division in association with Aafiya Medical Billing Services at the Le Meridien, Dubai, the event was presided by chief guest Saleh Al Hashimi, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Health Insurance Corporation and attended by respected industry leaders and policy makers representing the government, and healthcare industry-insurance providers and hospitals.

Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder President, Thumbay Group was the guest of honour of the conference. “The global pandemic has accelerated the need for rapid change and growth; thus, the industry is emerging from the post-pandemic state into a new era of transformation. Thumbay Group is aligned with the government’s vision to implement policies and best practices that accelerate the development of the health sector with patient centricity as priority. New approaches to the delivery of care abound. For government initiatives to succeed, it is vital that the authorities, academia, insurance sector and healthcare institutions collaborate effectively, with the customer at the heart of all strategic efforts,” noted Dr Moideen.

Themed Shaping the future of health insurance, the conference addressed the insurers and healthcare providers on how to thrive amid the constantly evolving and changing landscape of UAE. It further stressed on developing a healthcare ecosystem that is beneficial for everyone while acknowledging the new government policies and regulations, how incorporating digital solutions can enable long-term engagement with customers, thereby helping the sector to transform the into a fully integrated customer-centric model.

Delivering the keynote address, Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President, Healthcare Division, Thumbay Group, said, “Today’s conference is an important platform for bringing us all together, key decision makers from health, public policy and insurance experts to highlight the efforts made to develop the health insurance market in the UAE, including the significant roles of insurers and healthcare providers in the process, critical success strategies for the healthcare market, global healthcare trends, regulatory issues, and managing healthcare costs. One of the key areas for sustainable growth in this ecosystem is the use of modern technologies, implementation of AI & analytics and innovative healthcare solutions for improving operational efficiencies and cost mitigation.”

In addition, Ali Zaidi, General Manager, Aafiya, also made a presentation, elaborating on the topic, ‘Accessibility Meets Technology-Emerging Stronger.’ In a felicitation ceremony, some of the most influential leaders in the sector were recognized for the contribution by the chief guest. The list included: Omer Elamin, President – Orient Group Al Futtaim; Ahmed Hamadeh Idris, CEO – ADNIC; Hamad Al Mehyas, CEO DAMAN – National Health Insurance Company; Dimitris Mazarakis, CEO Metlife Gulf; Joe Boulos, General manager NAS Administration Services; Christian Gregorowicz, CEO, Allianz Partners MEA & Nextcare; Nader Tawfiq Qaddumi, CEO Al Buhaira National Insurance Co; Abdulla Al Nuaimi, CEO, Dubai National Insurance and Reinsurance, Gautam Dutta, CEO, Noor Takaful; Dr. Abdul Zahra Abdullah Ali, CEO, National General Insurance and  Fahim Alshehhi, CEO Salama Islamic Arab Insurance Co; Syed M. Asim, CEO Orient UNB Takaful PJSC.