Dubai’s healthcare sector has taken a significant step toward value-based care with the release of a landmark strategic whitepaper outlining a comprehensive framework to integrate primary care, insurance systems, and smart health technologies across the emirate.
The International Family Medicine Roundtable committee officially launched the publication, titled Strengthening Primary Care and Insurance Integration in Dubai A Comprehensive Framework on OP-DRG, Telemedicine, and Smart Health, making it available through the IFM Knowledge Hub. The document is positioned as a high-level planning and benchmarking resource for policymakers, healthcare providers, insurers, pharmaceutical leaders, and academic institutions navigating ongoing regulatory transformation.
The whitepaper was developed following discussions held during the 13th International Family Medicine Conference and Exhibition, a global platform for advancing primary care innovation. Compiled by IQVIA, the conference’s official knowledge partner, the report translates industry dialogue into an actionable framework aligned with Dubai’s evolving healthcare policies.
Central to the framework is the transition toward a general practitioner-led gatekeeper model and the implementation of Outpatient Diagnosis-Related Groups, both designed to improve care coordination, cost transparency, and system efficiency as authorities accelerate a shift to value-based healthcare.
Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Scientific Chair of the IFM Scientific Committee, said aligning DRG implementation with strengthened primary healthcare is essential to enable integrated care pathways, promote prevention, and ensure financing mechanisms support patient-centred outcomes and long-term sustainability.
Industry experts say the document serves as a strategic roadmap for organisations seeking regulatory compliance and financial resilience amid rapid sector reform.
According to Dr. Bakul Mukherjee, Senior Principal at IQVIA, the framework envisions a future where GP-first access, digital intelligence, and unified insurance systems create a seamless, data-driven healthcare journey for Dubai residents.
The publication is expected to guide healthcare strategy and operational planning across the emirate through 2026 and beyond.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
