Last week, I had the privilege of moderating a thought-provoking panel discussion at the Museum of the Future, an institution that inspires creativity and innovation. Organized by WSBF, the panel centered on the theme "Future-Proofing the Health of Nations." I was thrilled when Merzi Sodawaterwala approached me to lead a panel of esteemed experts, including Ashish Ipe Koshy (CEO of G42 Healthcare) and Hicham MIRGHANI (Corporate Affairs Director GCC at AstraZeneca).

The conversation was rich and insightful, and I am delighted to share five key takeaways from our discussion

I had the pleasure of joining Abrar Hussain on 'The Market Makers in Middle East & Africa - Podcast to discuss a variety of healthcare topics that will surely spark your interest! 🎙️
 
💡 Dive into these captivating topics:
 
🔸 The journey of creating the groundbreaking Fakeeh University Hospital in UAE, a $500M investment that's transforming healthcare 💰🏥
🔸 Merging state-of-the-art technology with heartfelt patient care for better outcomes 💙🤖
🔸 The power of multi-disciplinary collaboration in driving exceptional patient care 🤝🩺
🔸 A glimpse into the future of healthcare and the role of emerging technologies 🚀🔬

As healthcare professionals, we are committed to caring for people and healing communities. However, we cannot ignore the environmental impact of our work, especially in light of the pressing global challenge of climate change. In fact, the healthcare sector is responsible for 5% of global emissions, making it a significant contributor to the problem. It is our responsibility to consider the environmental impact of healthcare and work towards healing both people and the planet.

Smartphones have transformed into essential medical research tools, thanks to the collaboration of ingenious engineers and dedicated clinicians. The data generated by smart mobile devices and smartwatches is now being harnessed to advance medical research, ultimately improving patient care at hospitals and clinics.

Modern lifestyles offer numerous comforts, but they also come with long-term consequences, such as the rise in lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes. In the GCC countries, employers bear 90% of healthcare costs, making chronic illnesses like diabetes a significant concern.

To achieve healthier communities, companies must work closely with hospitals and healthcare providers to develop collaborative solutions that help reduce the negative effects of diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

We must prioritize creating more accessible, affordable, and trustworthy telemedicine offerings for both providers and consumers. This requires a sustained commitment to high-quality, responsible care delivery, and a balanced approach to incorporating telemedicine into traditional care. The increase in telemedicine adoption is likely bolstered by supply-side and demand-side dynamics. Provider organizations see telemedicine visits as a means to improve appointment efficiency, elevate professional satisfaction, and expand patient reach.

I've been using ChatGPT for three months and, as a hospital manager, I've found it quite useful in handling daily duties including data review, communication, planning, and follow-up. The more I teach it, the better it becomes, and the more interested I am to see what else we can accomplish with it. According to scientists, artificial intelligence (AI) is a boost to the human workforce, thinking, and planning, and it will certainly become an invaluable companion in our everyday lives in the future.

Disasters can be traumatic and have long-term consequences on people's mental health. Whether the disaster is natural, such as an earthquake, or man-made, the aftermath can be overwhelming for survivors. At the same time, individuals on the front lines of saving lives, such as medical professionals and first responders, might be affected by the trauma they witness. I'd would like to share a handful of suggestions for dealing with mental health issues during these challenging circumstances.

There are many ways for hospitals and clinics to improve sustainability within the healthcare industry. By focusing on employer fairness, building management, and governance, healthcare providers can create a more equitable and sustainable industry for all. By incorporating ESG criteria into their decision making process, healthcare providers can ensure that they are making the best decisions for the environment, society, and its stakeholders.