KHIDI and Abu Dhabi Department of Health Discuss Cooperation to Expand UAE Government-Sponsored Patient Program

Over a three-day period from August 4 to 6, a delegation from the International Patient Care Center (IPCC) under the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) paid an official visit to Korea to tour major domestic medical institutions and discuss ways to strengthen Korea–UAE healthcare cooperation, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) announced on the 7th.

This marks the first visit by UAE health authorities to Korea in three years since 2022. The four-member delegation, led by Kholood Al Dhalai, Director of the DOH IPCC, visited five contracted institutions: Asan Medical Center, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul National University Hospital, and Severance Hospital.

During their visits, the delegation gathered feedback from UAE patients receiving treatment in Korea, including satisfaction levels and challenges faced. They reviewed in detail not only patient safety–focused medical service quality, but also non-medical support such as Arabic interpretation, provision of halal meals, operation of prayer rooms, and transportation services. They also analyzed how these services differ from those offered in other UAE patient referral destinations, including the United States, Germany, and Türkiye.

On August 6, the delegation met with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and KHIDI to exchange views on strengthening bilateral healthcare cooperation. Key topics included expanding the UAE government-sponsored patient program, sharing information on Korea’s latest medical technology trends, and revitalizing the Visiting Physician Program (VPP) for Korean medical professionals in the UAE.

The DOH IPCC expressed interest in expanding patient assignment (PA) agreements with Korean medical institutions. Both sides also agreed to hold regular working-level meetings to develop concrete cooperation measures.

Director Kholood Al Dhalai stated, “This visit allowed us to witness Korea’s advanced medical environment firsthand. We look forward not only to expanding the government-sponsored patient program but also to working closely with Korean medical professionals.”

Han Dong-woo, Director General of the International Medical Division at KHIDI, commented, “We hope this visit will serve as a catalyst for expanding the inflow of UAE government-sponsored patients, as well as achieving tangible cooperation outcomes with the UAE in areas such as medical professional training and the promotion of telemedicine.”