The Middle East boasts an affluent patient base actively seeking world-class medical treatment and wellness services. As an international hospital looking to tap into this high-potential market, understanding the unique preferences and expectations of Middle Eastern patients is crucial. This article provides insights into the distinct characteristics of this market, what Middle Eastern patients expect, and how to best accommodate their cultural sensitivities and enhance their healthcare experience.
The Market Opportunity
The Middle Eastern region has a growing population with a high disposable income, and there is an increasing demand for specialized and high-quality healthcare. The factors driving this demand include a rise in lifestyle diseases, a preference for foreign medical opinions, and a lack of certain advanced medical technologies in some Middle Eastern countries. This creates an enormous market opportunity for international hospitals to attract patients from the Middle East.
Unique Preferences and Expectations
Cultural Sensitivity
Respect for culture is paramount. Middle Eastern patients often travel with family members and expect hospitals to understand and respect their family hierarchies and dynamics. It is important to create an environment that acknowledges and accommodates these family roles.
Language Proficiency
Communication is key. Hospitals should employ Arabic speaking staff or provide translation services to ensure that patients and their families understand the treatment plan and can communicate their concerns effectively.
Personalized and Holistic Care
Middle Eastern patients often prefer personalized care that encompasses not just the clinical aspects but also holistic healing practices. They value relationships and prefer to be treated by medical staff who take the time to get to know them.
The Importance of Accreditation and Trust Building
It is essential to build trust with Middle Eastern patients. Here, Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) comes into the picture. International hospitals should consider working with Global Healthcare Accreditation to ensure they are adequately prepared to cater to Middle Eastern patients.
GHA provides comprehensive services such as gap analysis, which helps hospitals identify areas that need improvement in order to meet international standards and patient expectations. Moreover, GHA offers training and accreditation programs that equip healthcare providers with the cultural competencies necessary to deliver exceptional patient experiences.
Top hospitals from around the world have engaged GHA for training, accreditation, and gap analysis, thereby enhancing their reputation and service quality. When Middle Eastern patients see that a hospital is GHA accredited, they are reassured that the hospital has been vetted and meets high standards, especially in cultural sensitivity and patient experience.
Patients who have received excellent care often become living testimonials, recommending the hospital to friends and family. This word-of-mouth marketing is highly valued in the Middle Eastern culture.
Tapping into the Market
Engaging local healthcare facilitators who understand the Middle Eastern culture can help in bridging the gap between international hospitals and patients. Further, healthcare providers should also consider participating in medical tourism exhibitions and establishing partnerships with healthcare agencies in the Middle East.
Taking the Next Step
To maximize market penetration, hospitals should reach out to Global Healthcare Resources. The organization has an extensive network of consumers and buyers globally and is an expert in both B2C medical tourist referrals and B2B referrals, such as facilitators, insurance companies, and governments.
Finally, becoming a member of the Medical Tourism Association can provide invaluable insights and connections. The MTA has launched successful healthcare initiatives in various locations including Korea, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Washington DC, Florida, Miami, Las Vegas, Colombia, Costa Rica, and more.
In summary, understanding and respecting the cultural nuances and expectations of Middle Eastern patients, ensuring quality through accreditations like GHA, and engaging with the right partners are essential steps in attracting Middle Eastern patients to international hospitals.
