Emaar Healthcare Group, the helthcare subsidiary of Emaar Properties, has opened its flagship medical facility, The Dubai Mall Medical Centre. At 60, 000 sq. ft, this is the largest outpatient facility in the region, offering full range of specialities. Located at the Dubai Mall, the multi-speciality medical centre is focused on offering an integrated healthcare experience, with emphasis on evidence-based medicine and commitment to international best practices.

Emaar Healthcare has partnered with Methodist International, the international arm of US-based Methodist Hospital, to develop its flagship medical centre that will work towards constantly improving clinical outcomes and effectiveness.

Omar Al Shunnar of Emaar Healthcare Group says, "The Dubai Mall Medical Centre embodies the vision of Emaar Healthcare Group to serve as a true vehicle of change by redefining healthcare delivery in the region. Every aspect of the medical centre has been carefully planned to ensure that patients have a comforting experience. The differentiating features start with the spacious, elegant reception area and extend to the various specialties and supporting facilities. These are complemented by the service of internationally qualified doctors and staff aimed at setting best practice standards in Dubai's healthcare sector."

The centre also offers advanced services in diagnostic imaging with on-site laboratory facilities and fully equipped procedure suites. Other on-site clinical services include an onsite pharmacy; advanced paperless patient administration and electronic medical records; modern consulting suites; and a dedicated wellness centre.

Methodist International has a partnership with Emaar Healthcare to promote best practice standards and develop and manage hospitals and clinics throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey.Emaar aims to become a world class healthcare provider network by integrating a network of primary health clinics in communities with associated specialised clinics, secondary and tertiary hospitals. Emaar Healthcare Group will soon open two further healthcare facilities in the UAE.

The Middle East's inbound travel market has a golden opportunity in attracting more medical tourists, claimed Dr Prem Jagyasi of ExHealth at the recent Middle East Tourism Marketing Summit (METMS) in Dubai, “Demand is increasing day by day and cost is not the only factor, patients are looking for immediate care.” He added that despite the higher cost of treatment in Dubai, compared to established medical tourism markets in Singapore, Thailand and India, locals seeking medical procedures were looking for immediate treatment in the Middle East.

Jagyasi warned, “ The major problem is that the Middle East is not promoting medical tourism yet. We need government bodies to come onboard to help solve this. Dubai is very keen to promote medical tourism and the government is looking at developing the required services, but there is a lack of trust in medical services here and this is something we need to overcome. Dubai should consider setting up a medical tourism board.”

Healthcare City in Dubai has 80 clinics and the emirate hosts thousands of medical tourists each year, although there are no official data. A second phase of the healthcare complex is under construction, and will include nutrition centres, spas, resorts and sport medicine centres.