Dubai’s Health Tech Cuts Diabetes Costs by 30%

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has recently shared the success of its EJADA Ai system, which was introduced a year ago. This advanced system has been instrumental in monitoring, analyzing, and enhancing the quality of healthcare services in Dubai. It also plays a crucial role in disease prevention, particularly in managing and mitigating the complications associated with various illnesses.

EJADA Ai, a cutting-edge global healthcare monitoring tool, not only promotes healthier living among Dubai’s population but also cements the city’s reputation as a leader in digital health. The system is particularly adept at identifying those at higher risk for diabetes and has significantly reduced the economic impact of the disease by up to 30%. Its operations are underpinned by artificial intelligence, which is key to its effectiveness in proactive disease prevention.

Saleh Al Hashimi, CEO of the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation at DHA, highlighted the AI-driven nature of EJADA Ai. The system has been successful in pinpointing patients with diabetes who are more likely to face complications, as well as those on the cusp of developing the condition.

Al Hashimi stressed the importance of the DHA’s decision to implement the EJADA Ai system. It is a pivotal tool in improving healthcare quality and enhancing life expectancy through preventive strategies. These strategies are designed to shield diabetes patients from health decline and to prevent at-risk individuals from developing the disease.

He noted that the cost of treating diabetes under health insurance in Dubai had surpassed two billion dirhams. However, with EJADA Ai’s proactive approach, these costs are expected to drop by 25-30%, highlighting the system’s financial and health benefits.

Al Hashimi explained that EJADA Ai integrates various processes, from monitoring to analyzing data on chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This integration aids in identifying at-risk individuals, diagnosing potential complications early, and taking preemptive actions through the DHA’s Public Health Protection Department’s specialized medical programs.

He mentioned that this system operates in close collaboration with health insurance experts, the DHA’s department, insurance companies, and healthcare facilities. Partnerships with companies like Merck Gulf and AstraZeneca Gulf further the initiative’s goals in early detection, prediction, and management of chronic diseases. These collective efforts underscore the commitment to preventive healthcare and health security in Dubai.

Al Hashimi also discussed the EJADA system’s approach, which shifts from volume-based to value-based models. It assesses healthcare facilities, doctors, and insurance companies using DHA-collected data, patient feedback, and input from stakeholders and service providers. The Authority then implements necessary improvements in healthcare services.

This system aligns with Dubai’s 2026 healthcare sector strategy, aiming to position the city as a benchmark for value-based healthcare services, focus on patient-centered care, encourage healthy lifestyles, and establish Dubai as a digital health hub.

“The EJADA Ai system’s strength lies in its ability to process vast amounts of electronic claims data, providing a detailed view of community health,” Al Hashimi said. By utilizing AI for data analysis, the system enables early chronic disease detection, timely intervention, improved patient outcomes, and more efficient disease management.

Al Hashimi outlined the key advantages of EJADA Ai, which include

1. Rich Data: Utilizing extensive electronic claims data from around 4 million insured individuals and over 360 million patient activities, diagnoses, and notes.
2. Comprehensive Chronic Disease Solution: Offering tailored insights for all stages of chronic diseases.
3. Early Detection and Intervention: Identifying high-risk and undiagnosed individuals for early action.
4. Management of Disease Complications: Providing insights and risk scores to manage disease progression.
5. Disease Prediction and Resource Optimization: Enabling precise planning and budgeting for disease costs.
6. Advanced Technology and Adaptability: Leveraging advanced learning models for dynamic, real-time predictions.
7. Global Impact: Positioning Dubai as a leading healthcare destination with a unique, comprehensive chronic disease management model.

The DHA aims to use EJADA Ai for personalized patient care and to involve stakeholders in shaping Dubai’s healthcare future through innovative ideas and feedback.

Al Hashimi noted that the Authority has prioritized 30 major diseases in the system until 2025, based on various factors like patient numbers, claim frequency, and cost burden.

“Success in this endeavor is measured by key indicators related to clinical, safety, patient, financial, and service value aspects,” he stated.

He concluded by mentioning the development of clinical recommendations and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) documents, created in collaboration with expert committees. The Authority has also conducted extensive training for healthcare providers and insurance companies, covering a significant portion of the diseases targeted by the program.