GCC healthcare demand to surge 240%
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Sunday, 22 June 2008
Demand for healthcare is expected to surge by 240 percent over the next 20 years in the GCC, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE expected to record the greatest demand.
Growth is expected to be sparked by dramatic increases in cardiovascular disease and diabetes-related ailments, Qatar daily The Peninsula reported on Sunday, citing a survey from global consultancy firm McKinsey.
The survey said that by 2025 demand for hospital beds will more than double in the region, requiring almost 162,000 beds.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar are expected to register the greatest percentage increase in demand.
Spending on the treatment of cardiovascular disease, which now accounts for 12 percent of the total, will double and grow at almost twice the overall rate of healthcare spending during the period, the survey found.
Despite substantial investments by the GCC governments in medical education over the past 25 years, healthcare systems are still struggling as governments are not equipped to manage healthcare providers.
READERS' COMMENTS
MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM
TOP IN MIDDLE EAST HEALTHCARE
TOP MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS STORIES
ALSO IN MIDDLE EAST HEALTHCARE
LATEST MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS NEWS
- Technology: WebSpy to expand distribution to the Middle East
- Politics & Economics: Pakistan offers help to track down Mumbai terrorists
- Culture & Society: 2.5mn expected to take part in Haj pilgrimage
- Healthcare: Health chiefs back new nursing council plan
- Construction & Industry: MPs raise concerns over Bahrain mega-project
RELATED STORIES
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
- World crisis could last three years - Oman economic chief
26 Nov '08 | News - Gulf states to review free trade talks
25 Nov '08 | News - Independence vowed for Gulf central bank
25 Nov '08 | News




