UAE Radiology Service Market Analysis

UAE Radiology Service Market Executive Summary

The UAE Radiology Service market is at around $20 Mn in 2023 and is projected to reach $55.5 Mn in 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.7% during the forecast period.

There are many techniques used in radiology. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a powerful imaging technique that uses magnets instead of radiation to create images of the body. It is excellent for visualizing soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and organs. Areas investigated through MRI scanning include spinal cord and brain abnormalities, cysts and tumors, joint injuries, breast tissue anomalies, and abdominal and liver irregularities. Radiography is a type of radiological imaging technique which applies X-ray radiation. X-ray mammograph is also a type of radiological imaging technique which is used specifically to identify abnormalities or lesions in the human breast. MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram) scan is an examination that produces detailed versions of the blood vessels in the body. Compared to X-rays, CT (Computed Tomography) uses a low dose of radiation and also provides a better overview of the interior of the body. An ultrasound or sonography is a technique that uses high frequency ways to produce images. As it does not involve the use of radiation it is the most widely used technique for monitoring pregnancy. A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is an advanced technique used to reveal the metabolic or biochemical functions of tissues and organs. Lastly, a Single-Photo Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3-D images.

Chronic conditions constitute a major public health problem in the UAE and are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. According to the MoHAP, the four main Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) prevalent are cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases and they cause 55% of deaths. The UAE Radiology Service Market is thus driven by significant factors such as the increasing burden of chronic diseases, aging population, and growing awareness. However, high cost, limited access, and shortage of radiologists restrict the growth and potential of the market.

The major players of the UAE Radiology Service Market are NMC Specialty Hospital, Zulekha Hospital, Al Zahra Hospital, Burjeel Medical City, Aster Hospital, and Prime Hospital, among others.

Market Dynamics

Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Burden of Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases like autoimmune disorders, cancers, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) require ongoing treatment. According to the MoHAP, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of NCD deaths, accounting for 34% of all deaths in the country, followed by cancer which constitutes for 12%. The increasing prevalence of these chronic diseases in turn leads to a growing demand for diagnostic imaging procedures. With so many tools and techniques for detecting and treating diseases, radiology plays a significant role in disease management which leads to the market growth.

Aging Population: The UAE is going through a demographic transition as the number of persons aged 60+ is expected to increase more than six-fold between 2020 and 2050 from about 311,000 (3.1% of the total population) to 2 Mn (19.7%). The elderly population is more vulnerable to long-term illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, and musculoskeletal problems. Because they have a higher chance of developing chronic illnesses, older persons are therefore more likely to need medical diagnostic services. The majority of people who receive radiography treatments are elderly, and as such, they play a large role in driving the market for these services.

Growing Awareness: The awareness of radiology services in UAE has increased recently as a result of advancements in medical technology and increased spending on healthcare. This has been facilitated by government efforts and programs that raise awareness of early illness identification and diagnosis, as well as public health campaigns and educational activities. Therefore, the demand of early intervention for disease diagnosis increases which leads to the growth of the Radiology Service Market.

Market Restraints

High Cost: Overall, radiology is one of the most expensive fields in the medical centre. Radiology equipment which includes all the advanced scanner such as CT scans, PET scans, and SPECT scans are all considerably expensive. The scanners use advanced technology including high-resolution detectors, and advanced software which all contribute to the high price. Due to the high price, affordability and accessibility issues arise, which also impacts the Radiology Service Market growth in a negative way.

Limited Access: The lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure may restrict the availability of radiological services to some rural and low-income communities. Moreover, integrating cutting-edge technology with medical imaging systems in developing nations is difficult. This leads to financial difficulties, which has a detrimental impact on the demand for radiological services.

Shortage of Radiologists: Radiology medical centres and hospitals struggle with a number of staffing issues, such as a lack of competent workers and difficulties retaining staff and radiologic technicians. Additionally, radiology specialists may experience burnout due to the rigorous and demanding nature of their work. Another ongoing problem is effectively managing schedules and guaranteeing round-the-clock coverage. The shortage of radiologists in UAE thus negatively impacts the growth of the Radiology Services Market.

Regulatory Landscape and Reimbursement Scenario

In UAE, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) is the federal regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the healthcare system. It plays a critical role in safeguarding public health by ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of the medicines. In addition to MoHAP, other regulatory bodies that oversee licenses, register different types of products, and create healthcare policies and guidelines for hospitals and pharmacies are the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD).

The pharmaceuticals require approval before importing, selling or marketing in the UAE. Registration of pharmaceutical products is a complex process which requires extensive documentation and several requirements to be fulfilled by the companies. The overall approval process for pharmaceuticals and medical devices involves classification, application submission, review, and potential inspection. Depending on the device’s complexity and the application’s thoroughness, the evaluation procedure may take up to 45 working days.

The UAE’s healthcare reimbursement landscape involves a mix of public and private insurance. In the public sector, Government funds and taxes collected from patients with required insurance are frequently used to reimburse public hospitals and clinics. In the private sector, private insurance providers employ a range of techniques, including: Fee-For-Service (FFS) which pays medical professionals according to the services they offer (e.g., consultation, operation); the Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) defines a set fee for the treatment of a certain illness. Lastly, through the Managed Care, individuals with insurance might receive discounted treatments from networks of healthcare providers.

Competitive Landscape

Key Players

Here are some of the major key players in the UAE Radiology Service Market:

• NMC Specialty Hospital
• Zulekha Hospital
• Al Zahra Hospital
• Burjeel Medical City
• Aster Hospital
• Prime Hospital
• Al Garhoud Private Hospital
• LLH Hospital
• King’s College Hospital
• Mediclinic City Hospital