The UAE has been hailed on the global stage for its successful use of data collection and online apps to contain the pandemic through informed decision making. But the country is in no mood to hold back on integration of medtech innovations into its public healthcare infrastructure, and achievements at Emirati hospitals are an outcome of that approach.

UAE is also on track to unleash the maximum potential of telemedicine and remote services by setting up the Middle East's first ever virtual hospital. But till that vision is translated to reality, Dubai has unveiled a smart hospital in its Silicon Oasis, which relies on AI, mobile apps and data collection to provide personalised care.

The Fakeeh University Hospital is home to a robotic pharmacy which processes patient data via machine learning to automate distribution of medicines. Patients can also get consistent attention and personalised care with a few taps on their smartphones, thanks to services available on the hospital's app.

Apart from assisting doctors in making decisions fueled by information via real-time updates about a patient's medical history, data collection also helps out with billing and insurance purposes at the establishment. AI has also been used to automate the hospital's supply chain for ensuring availability of equipment for top-notch medical care, at the facility which claims that it can accommodate 700,000 patients every year.

In addition to these high-tech offerings, the smart healthcare ecosystem is home to special birthing centres for expectant mothers. Apart from rooms equipped to facilitate everything from nursing to delivery and recovery, the hospital also has suites designed specifically for covid positive moms who are in isolation.

The hospital has been unlocked for Emiratis as the country is slowly reopening after a second wave of infections. It highlights the focus on using digital resources to strengthen UAE's healthcare infra for challenges in future.

Having a smart facility with doctors who can handle 55 specialities, also bolsters Dubai's existing position as the region's medical tourism hub.