Medlab Middle East, the MENA region’s largest medical laboratory exhibition and congress, will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 5-8 February 2024 with a host of new features, including a new zone, Next Gen Medicine, which will focus on the transformative potential of early disease detection and preventive medicine.

This year’s edition of the show follows a record-breaking year in 2023, where Informa Markets, the organisers of the event, announced AED1.9 billion of deals secured during the four-day laboratory showcase. Following this success, the 2024 edition is expected to welcome more than 30,000 visitors and 900 exhibitors, a 20 per cent increase in exhibitor numbers compared to last year.

Related: Trends redefining the medical laboratory industry in 2023

Tom Coleman, Group Exhibition Director, Informa Markets Healthcare, said: “The laboratory sector stands as the bedrock of innovation and progress in the modern world. As we navigate an era marked by unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the role of laboratories has become more pivotal than ever before.

“As a result, laboratory technology has evolved at an astonishing pace. From genomics to materials science and from pharmaceuticals to renewable energy, laboratories are at the centre of delivering game-changing innovations and pushing boundaries thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated scientists, researchers, and technicians.

“Medlab Middle East provides the ideal platform for not only securing business deals but also for showcasing the industry’s contribution to economic growth, developing healthcare advancements and developing environmental sustainability. We are committed to fostering excellence, driving innovation, improving lives, and building a brighter future for all.”

Spotlight on Next Gen Medicine

As part of Medlab Middle East’s commitment to innovation, a new zone and conference, Next Gen Medicine, will be added to the show floor this year. In partnership with Express Med Diagnostics and Research and occupying 1,500 sqm of exhibition space with 100 exhibitors, over 1,000 delegates are expected to attend, where topics including genomics medicine, precision medicine and healthcare longevity, will be discussed.

Dr. Karolina Kobus, Head of Genomics and Precision Medicine Lab Technology and Innovation Advisor at Express Med Diagnostics and Research, said: “The dawn of next-generation medicine signifies a major shift towards early disease detection and preventive care. This transformative journey is fuelled by cutting-edge technologies and methodologies that empower us to anticipate and intercept illnesses before they take hold.

“As we embrace this future, we hold the key to not only extending lives but enhancing their quality. It is a pivotal moment where innovation becomes the bedrock of health and where our collective commitment to advancing preventive medicine paves the way for healthier, happier generations to come.”

The conference will bring together top industry experts, researchers and healthcare professionals in medical innovation and precision medicine. Focused on the transformative potential of early disease detection and preventive medicine, the conference will explore cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.

A range of discussions and presentations are expected to provide attendees with insights into the latest breakthroughs in genomics, proteomics, and innovative biomarkers of diverse medical conditions. A scientific poster competition has also been added, with a range of prizes available for all winners.

The dedicated CME conference will act as a platform for fostering collaborations and knowledge exchange, driving advancements in medical research and healthcare practices, benefitting patients globally.

Latest medical laboratory innovations

The 2024 showcase will feature important players in the laboratory industry, including global manufacturers and suppliers like Abbott, Sysmex, Biomerieux, Beckman Coulter, BD, Illumnia, Eurouimmun, Randox, and Mindray, amongst others. The event will feature representation from over 180 countries and will have 12 country pavilions.

Related: The latest lab trends shaping markets in the MENA region

The Medlab Middle East show floor will have product categories, showcasing the latest technology, innovation and overview of disposables, general services, imaging, infrastructure, IT, laboratory, medical equipment, pharma and nutrition.

The show floor will also include a range of seminars and workshops, allowing visitors to hear first-hand about the latest medical laboratory innovations from leading companies. The 2024 edition will also see the return of the Hosted Buyer programme, providing exhibitors with the opportunity to meet with senior decision-makers from the medical laboratory and healthcare industry.

The Medlab Middle East Congress returns this year, providing education and solutions to advance laboratory skills and improve laboratory functions to over 5,000 conference delegates. With 12 conferences, the Congress is the largest CME-accredited multi-track medical laboratory congress globally, featuring over 200 local and international speakers.

Tracks include Laboratory Management, Haematology, Quality Management, Clinical Microbiology, Histopathology, Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Genomic Interpretation, Future of the Lab, Immunology, Blood Transfusion Medicine, and Sustainability in the Lab. Lab Society Insights, a free-to-attend conference, has also been added to the schedule, as has the Next Gen Medicine CME accredited track.

For more information on Medlab Middle East 2024, click here.

Back to Management

Researchers revealed positive results among its first patients during a presentation of preliminary data from a clinical trial aimed at discovering a cure for sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder, is a painful and debilitating condition for which there are few approved therapies.

Researchers involved in the multicentre Ruby Trial presented an update on the safety and effectiveness of a single dose of EDIT-301, an experimental one-time gene editing cell therapy that modifies a patient’s own blood-forming stem cells to correct the mutation responsible for sickle cell disease. Results were presented at the European Hematology Association Hybrid Congress in Frankfurt, Germany.

Related: Forecasting cell and gene therapies, one model at a time

The first four patients, two of whom were treated at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, had their stem cells collected for gene editing. The patients then underwent chemotherapy treatment to destroy their remaining bone marrow, making room for the repaired cells that were later infused back into their bodies. This is the first time a novel type of CRISPR gene-editing technology — known as CRISPR/CA12 — is being used in a human study to alter the defective gene. This technology is a highly precise tool to modify blood stem cell genomes to enable robust, healthy blood cell production.

The data showed new white blood cells in all four patients at about four weeks with no severe adverse effects. Patients also achieved a normal level of haemoglobin, which is the most important component of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. The patients also have been free of sickle cell disease’s associated pain attacks for a period of 11 months and seven months following therapy.

“New treatments like this are critical for people who have sickle cell disease,” said principal investigator Rabi Hanna, M.D., Director of the Pediatric Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant programme at Cleveland Clinic Children’s and Principal Investigator. “These initial results provide hope that this new technology will continue to show progress as we work toward creating a possible functional cure for this devastating and life-threatening disease.”

Rabi Hanna, M.D

While there are an estimated one million to three million people in the US who have the sickle cell trait, there are only about 100,000 people with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell trait and the disease are found more often in certain ethnic groups, including African Americans. In the US, about one in 365 African American babies have sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that leads to the production of abnormal haemoglobin, which is a red protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Normal red blood cells are round and can move through small blood vessels to deliver oxygen. However, in people with sickle cell disease, the genetic change in DNA causes a chemical alteration in haemoglobin and alters the shape of red blood cells into a sickle, blocking them from passing through narrow blood vessels.

Related: Genomics and its rapid evolution in the Middle East

They can clog or break apart, which also leads to decreased red blood cell life and increased iron storage in the liver and heart. This can cause conditions such as liver fibrosis, liver failure, stroke, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure, along with severe pain.

For most people with the condition, medications can modify disease severity and treat symptoms. However, despite current therapies, the average life of a sickle cell patient is in the mid-40s. A blood or marrow transplant can cure sickle cell disease, but the transplant often requires a sibling donor and has the potential for severe graft-versus-host disease, which is when donor bone marrow or stem cells attack the recipient.

This article appears in Omnia Health magazine. Read the full issue online today.

Back to Clinical

Autoantibodies are important biomarkers in the diagnosis of myositis and are useful for differentiating different subforms of the disease. A broad autoantibody analysis is essential to maximise the serological detection rate. New line blots enable parallel specific detection of up to 20 autoantibodies and thus provide valuable support in the identification of subforms with specific clinical features.

Understanding myositis

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), also known as myositides, are a group of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases that are characterised by chronic inflammation of skeletal muscle. They can affect both children and adults.  The hallmark symptoms of IIM are muscle inflammation, muscle weakness, arthritis, cutaneous rashes, calcinosis, ulceration, malignancy and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Based on clinical and immunopathological criteria, the disease is divided into the subforms polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS), sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), necrotising myositis (NM) and overlap myositis (OM). OM is the most common form and is characterised by clinical symptoms of IIM, often ASS or DM, together with other autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis. Some IIM subforms can be associated with cancer. Large population-based studies have shown a tumour frequency of 20 to 25 per cent in PM/DM, with adenocarcinomas being the most common tumours in myositis patients.

Related: Antibody indices – a growing analysis in the diagnosis of CNS diseases

Diagnosis of myopathies

Diagnosis of myopathies is challenging due to the rarity of the diseases, their similar clinical presentation to other rheumatic diseases, and the possibility of overlap syndromes. The general misdiagnosis rate is high, resulting in a delay to diagnosis of several years. In particular, the rare form sIBM has a mean delay to diagnosis of five to eight years. Accurate diagnosis and differentiation of different IIM subforms is, however, essential due to different therapy regimens. For example, in contrast to PM, sIBM is poorly responsive to immunotherapies.

The current IIM classification criteria published in 2017 by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) are based predominantly on clinical and histopathological features. The criteria identify IIM with high sensitivity but may not reliably identify the subform. In recent years, the advancement of knowledge and methods to detect myositis-relevant autoantibodies has increased the relevance of these markers in IIM diagnostics.

Newer diagnostic strategies now include autoantibodies as biomarkers to aid phenotype classification, malignancy risk assessment, and therapy prognosis. A plethora of studies have shown that the investigation of autoantibodies alongside clinical evaluation can enhance IIM diagnostics and classification. In Germany, new guidelines published in 2022 by the German Society for Neurology (DGN) now stipulate the determination of autoantibodies as part of the diagnostic procedure.

Autoantibody markers

Autoantibodies found in IIM are directed against nuclear and cytoplasmic target antigens and are divided into myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSA), which are found primarily in patients with IIM, and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAA), which are not specific for IIM but are nevertheless important markers. Target antigens of MSA include the nuclear antigens Mi-2α, Mi-2β, SAE1, NXP2, MDA5 and TIF1γ and the cytoplasmic antigens Jo-1, PL-7, PL-12, OJ, EJ, Zo, Ks, H, cN-1A and signal recognition particle (SRP). Target antigens of MAA include the nuclear antigens Ku, PM-Scl75, PM-Scl100 and the cytoplasmic antigen Ro-52.

MSA are rare and typically occur in isolation. Their prevalence ranges from less than one per cent for some anti-tRNA synthetases to 15-20 per cent for anti-Jo1. MAA is detected in up to 50 per cent of myositis patients and additionally in other autoimmune diseases that overlap with myositis. The specificities of myositis autoantibodies are associated with distinct clinical manifestations. Their detection thus provides an indication of the disease subform (Table 1). While several of these autoantibodies have been known since the 1970s and are well characterised, others such as anti-Ks, -Ha, and -Zo are currently being explored regarding their role as biomarkers in IIM and ILD. Further, anti-cN-1A is the first and only known serological marker for sIBM. Due to its high specificity, it can aid the differentiation of sIBM from other forms of IIM. Detection of anti-cN-1A plays a valuable role in securing an early diagnosis of sIBM and reducing the number of muscle biopsies per person. 

Table 1. Autoantibodies and associated disease forms.

Moreover, positivity for certain autoantibodies may provide the first indication of an underlying tumour, enabling the initiation of a comprehensive tumour screening. Autoantibodies against Mi-2α, Mi-2β, SAE1, TIF1γ and NXP2, for example, are associated with an increased risk of cancer in adults.

Autoantibody detection

Autoantibodies in myositis are detected using the indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) with human epithelial (HEp-2) cells and primate liver alongside immunoassays such as line blot or ELISA for monospecific characterisation of antibody specificities. IIFT is the gold standard for the detection of anti-nuclear antibodies and many myositis antibodies show a characteristic fluorescence pattern (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Characteristic immunofluorescence patterns on Hep-2 cells of antibodies against (A) PM-Scl (B) Ku (C) Jo-1 and (D) PL-7.

However, some autoantibodies, especially cytoplasmic autoantibodies, cannot be clearly identified by IIFT. Therefore, monospecific antibody detection should be performed in parallel. Given the low prevalence and isolated occurrence of many of the autoantibodies in IIM, investigation of a wide range of specific parameters is paramount. Line blots enable many different autoantibodies to be examined in a single test and are thus more informative and efficient than sequential single-parameter tests. Comprehensive studies in various centres in Europe have demonstrated that the simultaneous investigation of myositis antibodies in a large profile can increase the serological detection rate.

Broad-range line blots

The most comprehensive commercially available line blots for myositis diagnostics are EUROLINE Autoimmune Inflammatory Myopathies Profiles, which encompass up to 20 target antigens in one test (Figure 2).

Figure 2. EUROLINE Profile Autoimmune Inflammatory Myopathies 20 Ag (IgG).

cN-1A is exclusive to the EUROLINE product range and enables the detection of anti-cN-1A autoantibodies in sIBM. The antigens Ha, Ks and Zo have recently been added to the line blot portfolio, extending the spectrum of tRNA synthetases. Each antigen or group of antigens is printed onto a separate membrane chip to provide optimal efficiency of detection for each antigen. Various profiles are available offering different combinations of myositis-relevant antigens, for example, 20, 17, 16, 11, or 7 antigens per test strip, catering to different laboratories’ requirements.

Further EUROLINE profiles are also available for autoantibody diagnostics in other rheumatic diseases, for example, detection of anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-cytoplasmic antibodies, or antibodies that occur in systemic sclerosis. All EUROLINE assays can be fully automated using the EUROBlotOne device with EUROLineScan software, providing increased standardisation and efficiency.

Related: Antibody tests for monitoring coeliac disease and gluten-free-diet compliance

Outlook

IIM are rare but represent a significant burden for patients. Patients with IIM often experience severe illness due to the damage caused by both the disease and its treatment. In particular, the chronic and slowly progressive nature of sIBM can lead to severe disability. A comprehensive analysis of MSA and MAA in the diagnostic workup can reduce the time to diagnosis, enabling early implementation of targeted therapy. A subset of patients does not, however, exhibit any of the characterised autoantibodies. Therefore, it is likely that further myositis autoantibodies will be discovered in the future.

With line blot technology, new antigenic targets can be easily added to the blot strips to expand the spectrum of testable autoantibodies. Autoantibody markers may also play a more prominent future role as predictors of disease course and therapy outcome.

Dr. Jacqueline Gosink is part of EUROIMMUN, Luebeck, Germany.

References available on request.

This article appears in Omnia Health magazine. Read the full issue online today.      

Back to Laboratory

Autoantibodies are important biomarkers in the diagnosis of myositis and are useful for differentiating different subforms of the disease. A broad autoantibody analysis is essential to maximise the serological detection rate. New line blots enable parallel specific detection of up to 20 autoantibodies and thus provide valuable support in the identification of subforms with specific clinical features.

Understanding myositis

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), also known as myositides, are a group of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases that are characterised by chronic inflammation of skeletal muscle. They can affect both children and adults.  The hallmark symptoms of IIM are muscle inflammation, muscle weakness, arthritis, cutaneous rashes, calcinosis, ulceration, malignancy and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Based on clinical and immunopathological criteria, the disease is divided into the subforms polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS), sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), necrotising myositis (NM) and overlap myositis (OM). OM is the most common form and is characterised by clinical symptoms of IIM, often ASS or DM, together with other autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis. Some IIM subforms can be associated with cancer. Large population-based studies have shown a tumour frequency of 20 to 25 per cent in PM/DM, with adenocarcinomas being the most common tumours in myositis patients.

Related: Antibody indices – a growing analysis in the diagnosis of CNS diseases

Diagnosis of myopathies

Diagnosis of myopathies is challenging due to the rarity of the diseases, their similar clinical presentation to other rheumatic diseases, and the possibility of overlap syndromes. The general misdiagnosis rate is high, resulting in a delay to diagnosis of several years. In particular, the rare form sIBM has a mean delay to diagnosis of five to eight years. Accurate diagnosis and differentiation of different IIM subforms is, however, essential due to different therapy regimens. For example, in contrast to PM, sIBM is poorly responsive to immunotherapies.

The current IIM classification criteria published in 2017 by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) are based predominantly on clinical and histopathological features. The criteria identify IIM with high sensitivity but may not reliably identify the subform. In recent years, the advancement of knowledge and methods to detect myositis-relevant autoantibodies has increased the relevance of these markers in IIM diagnostics.

Newer diagnostic strategies now include autoantibodies as biomarkers to aid phenotype classification, malignancy risk assessment, and therapy prognosis. A plethora of studies have shown that the investigation of autoantibodies alongside clinical evaluation can enhance IIM diagnostics and classification. In Germany, new guidelines published in 2022 by the German Society for Neurology (DGN) now stipulate the determination of autoantibodies as part of the diagnostic procedure.

Autoantibody markers

Autoantibodies found in IIM are directed against nuclear and cytoplasmic target antigens and are divided into myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSA), which are found primarily in patients with IIM, and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAA), which are not specific for IIM but are nevertheless important markers. Target antigens of MSA include the nuclear antigens Mi-2α, Mi-2β, SAE1, NXP2, MDA5 and TIF1γ and the cytoplasmic antigens Jo-1, PL-7, PL-12, OJ, EJ, Zo, Ks, H, cN-1A and signal recognition particle (SRP). Target antigens of MAA include the nuclear antigens Ku, PM-Scl75, PM-Scl100 and the cytoplasmic antigen Ro-52.

MSA are rare and typically occur in isolation. Their prevalence ranges from less than one per cent for some anti-tRNA synthetases to 15-20 per cent for anti-Jo1. MAA is detected in up to 50 per cent of myositis patients and additionally in other autoimmune diseases that overlap with myositis. The specificities of myositis autoantibodies are associated with distinct clinical manifestations. Their detection thus provides an indication of the disease subform (Table 1). While several of these autoantibodies have been known since the 1970s and are well characterised, others such as anti-Ks, -Ha, and -Zo are currently being explored regarding their role as biomarkers in IIM and ILD. Further, anti-cN-1A is the first and only known serological marker for sIBM. Due to its high specificity, it can aid the differentiation of sIBM from other forms of IIM. Detection of anti-cN-1A plays a valuable role in securing an early diagnosis of sIBM and reducing the number of muscle biopsies per person. 

Table 1. Autoantibodies and associated disease forms.

Moreover, positivity for certain autoantibodies may provide the first indication of an underlying tumour, enabling the initiation of a comprehensive tumour screening. Autoantibodies against Mi-2α, Mi-2β, SAE1, TIF1γ and NXP2, for example, are associated with an increased risk of cancer in adults.

Autoantibody detection

Autoantibodies in myositis are detected using the indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) with human epithelial (HEp-2) cells and primate liver alongside immunoassays such as line blot or ELISA for monospecific characterisation of antibody specificities. IIFT is the gold standard for the detection of anti-nuclear antibodies and many myositis antibodies show a characteristic fluorescence pattern (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Characteristic immunofluorescence patterns on Hep-2 cells of antibodies against (A) PM-Scl (B) Ku (C) Jo-1 and (D) PL-7.

However, some autoantibodies, especially cytoplasmic autoantibodies, cannot be clearly identified by IIFT. Therefore, monospecific antibody detection should be performed in parallel. Given the low prevalence and isolated occurrence of many of the autoantibodies in IIM, investigation of a wide range of specific parameters is paramount. Line blots enable many different autoantibodies to be examined in a single test and are thus more informative and efficient than sequential single-parameter tests. Comprehensive studies in various centres in Europe have demonstrated that the simultaneous investigation of myositis antibodies in a large profile can increase the serological detection rate.

Broad-range line blots

The most comprehensive commercially available line blots for myositis diagnostics are EUROLINE Autoimmune Inflammatory Myopathies Profiles, which encompass up to 20 target antigens in one test (Figure 2).

Figure 2. EUROLINE Profile Autoimmune Inflammatory Myopathies 20 Ag (IgG).

cN-1A is exclusive to the EUROLINE product range and enables the detection of anti-cN-1A autoantibodies in sIBM. The antigens Ha, Ks and Zo have recently been added to the line blot portfolio, extending the spectrum of tRNA synthetases. Each antigen or group of antigens is printed onto a separate membrane chip to provide optimal efficiency of detection for each antigen. Various profiles are available offering different combinations of myositis-relevant antigens, for example, 20, 17, 16, 11, or 7 antigens per test strip, catering to different laboratories’ requirements.

Further EUROLINE profiles are also available for autoantibody diagnostics in other rheumatic diseases, for example, detection of anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-cytoplasmic antibodies, or antibodies that occur in systemic sclerosis. All EUROLINE assays can be fully automated using the EUROBlotOne device with EUROLineScan software, providing increased standardisation and efficiency.

Related: Antibody tests for monitoring coeliac disease and gluten-free-diet compliance

Outlook

IIM are rare but represent a significant burden for patients. Patients with IIM often experience severe illness due to the damage caused by both the disease and its treatment. In particular, the chronic and slowly progressive nature of sIBM can lead to severe disability. A comprehensive analysis of MSA and MAA in the diagnostic workup can reduce the time to diagnosis, enabling early implementation of targeted therapy. A subset of patients does not, however, exhibit any of the characterised autoantibodies. Therefore, it is likely that further myositis autoantibodies will be discovered in the future.

With line blot technology, new antigenic targets can be easily added to the blot strips to expand the spectrum of testable autoantibodies. Autoantibody markers may also play a more prominent future role as predictors of disease course and therapy outcome.

Dr. Jacqueline Gosink is part of EUROIMMUN, Luebeck, Germany.

References available on request.

This article appears in Omnia Health magazine. Read the full issue online today.      

Back to Laboratory

Obesity is a growing global public health issue and a significant economic burden for governments around the world. It is especially problematic for GCC countries, which have some of the world’s highest obesity rates. Obesity is also a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, which currently account for 70 per cent to 80 per cent of deaths in the region.

Related: Obesity: A global epidemic that requires immediate attention

Obesity is a chronic disease caused by a complex interaction between environmental, social, commercial, and genetic factors. It typically arises in environments that encourage high food consumption rates with low physical activity levels. In the GCC, obesity is exacerbated by such factors as high levels of wealth, increased spending on unhealthy foods, and extreme outdoor temperatures which discourage physical activity. Additionally, the cultural emphasis on food as a centrepiece of family and socialising can lead to poor eating choices.

In response, GCC governments can adopt a holistic approach that focuses on preventing and treating obesity across the entire spectrum of care. That means a data-driven approach and collaboration between the public and private sectors to incentivise healthier behaviours and support new treatment methods. GCC governments can implement five recommendations:

1. Develop a data and pilot-driven approach: Start by conducting a baseline assessment of factors such as obesity prevalence, nutrition and food supply standards, labelling, and taxes. With these data, GCC countries can set ambitious targets that are also attainable. Furthermore, to get the most out of their efforts and resources, they should start on a small scale first, and scale up when these initiatives prove effective.
2. Focus efforts on youth: Countries with the most success in addressing obesity typically target children since they are more likely than adults to change lifestyles and behaviours. For example, Australia’s introduction of school-based interventions to promote healthy eating and physical activity led to a drop in obesity prevalence in children from 20 per cent in 2015 to 17 per cent in 2018. However, it is critical to tailor programmes to the specific conditions of each school and community. Effective interventions in GCC schools could include regulations that mandate healthy food provision, offer educational content on healthy lifestyles, and provide funding programmes for sports facilities and events.
3. Foster collaboration between government, local communities, and commercial players: Encouraging healthier and culturally appropriate eating options is a model that has worked well in several countries. For example, the JOGG programme in the Netherlands was launched in 2010 and brings together parents, health professionals, stores, food producers, and schools to promote physical activity and healthier food options. It ultimately led to a 9 per cent reduction in child obesity and is on track to accumulate health expenditure savings of 52 euros per individual by 2050.
4. Use taxes and labelling regulations to incentivise healthier eating: Most GCC countries began implementing sugar taxes in 2017, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE currently apply a 50 per cent to 100 per cent tax on most sweetened beverages. However, the scope and reach of sugar taxes in the region is limited. Furthermore, governments can use the revenues collected from these taxes to fund health and fitness programmes. Labelling is another powerful lever to educate populations and reduce obesity. For instance, disclosing calorie information on restaurant menus in the U.S. led to a reduction of around 60 to 100 calories consumed per meal, while the introduction of the “Nutri-Score” system in France in 2017 led to a significant increase in healthier food purchases.
5. Treat obesity as a disease and enable the provision and insurance coverage of non-traditional treatment methods: A stepped treatment approach is necessary, with clear guidelines for different care levels. Newer treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based therapy have proven effective in helping individuals recognise and change their eating and exercise patterns. Other treatments, like GLP-1 agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors, offer promising solutions for advanced cases. For example, in 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the first GLP-1 agonist for obesity and diabetes treatment (liraglutide), which has the potential to lead to a yearly weight loss of 5kg per patient. It is paramount that GCC governments review current insurance coverage regulations and consider incorporating some of these new forms of treatment.

Related: The risk of inaction over lack of exercise in the Gulf region

By taking a holistic approach to obesity, GCC governments can achieve tangible results, including longer lifespans, improved quality of life, and cost savings for individuals and governments. We estimate that reducing overweight prevalence in the GCC by 5 per cent by 2030 could save over 50,000 lives and 2.2 million daily-adjusted life years over the next decade.

In that same period, economic savings could reach up to US$100 billion, including US$12 billion in medical savings. By taking on this problem, GCC governments can reverse the trend of chronic illness and put their countries on the path to a healthier future.

Jan Schmitz-Hubsch is the Partner, Antoine Feghali is the Principal; and Arianna Espinosa is the Manager at Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network. 

This article appears in Omnia Health magazine. Read the full issue online today.      

Back to Management

Global healthcare is a critical and expansive industry encompassing a broad spectrum of services, ranging from medical care and pharmaceuticals to biotechnology, medical devices, and healthcare infrastructure. As the world’s healthcare sector evolves, the requirement for healthcare professionals increases worldwide, and the number of skilled employees migrating to other countries continues to rise to support the demand.  

According to The World Health Organisation (WHO), as of March 2023, approximately 15 per cent of healthcare workers now work outside their country of birth. A number of regions reported higher numbers of migrated healthcare workers, including the Gulf, where, according to WHO, 70 to 80 per cent of nurses are expatriates.    

Impact on the healthcare system 

Recruiting international healthcare professionals can positively impact a country’s healthcare system in several ways. The migration of healthcare workers can resolve labour shortages and ensure sufficient staffing levels to meet the population’s demand. The increase in population will lead to increased demand for hospital treatments, as well as staff to support the increased number of patients.  

The recruitment of international healthcare professionals will enable enhanced skill diversity, leading to improved patient care as a result of shared best practices, approaches, expertise, cross-cultural learning and knowledge transfer among teams.  

Related: How to resolve healthcare recruitment issues efficiently

An influx of a skilled workforce can also support a country’s economic growth by boosting the healthcare sector and increasing medical tourism levels. 

The GCC’s current healthcare expenditure (CHE) is projected to reach US$135.5 billion in 2027, but the industry remains dependent on foreign professionals for healthcare personnel requirements. The GCC currently has a limited number of healthcare educational facilities which contributes to the requirement for international healthcare professional recruitment to support the region’s growing healthcare sectors.  

Talent acquisition in healthcare 

Streamlining the recruitment process of healthcare personnel in the GCC is essential to the region’s ability to attract talent. Not only can efficient recruitment methods aid in optimal workforce acquisition, but they can also enable cost and time savings by reducing time-to-hire periods and delays in patient care, which can lead to reduced patient care and potential financial losses. An enhanced candidate experience during the recruitment phase is considered attractive to healthcare professionals seeking employment and effectively optimises time and resources, enabling a more sustainable recruitment business model.  

Recruiting healthcare professionals requires compliance with a country’s legal and regulatory requirements, including qualification and license assessments and verification, as well as identity and background checks.  

Role of digital verification tools 

Currently, the GCC is undergoing significant digital transformation and the increased adoption of digital portable credentials will aid healthcare professionals in smoother migration procedures by streamlining the recruitment process. Organisations, including The DataFlow Group, work with key clients, professionals seeking required verification and stakeholders, including government bodies, to streamline verification processes to support the GCC’s healthcare sector and provide verification services of medical professionals’ credentials. In 2022, the DataFlow Group successfully verified 142,580 healthcare applicants for the GCC, with the highest number of applicants, 45.89 per cent, seeking verification for roles in the UAE.  

Related: Ongoing education and training compulsory for lab professionals

In 2023, the DataFlow Group verified 80,862 applications relating to healthcare credential verification in the GCC, which is a testament to the growth of the industry and the requirement for international recruitment.  

Authenticity in critical sectors of healthcare 

Proven advanced screening methods, such as Primary Source Verification, support healthcare sector recruitment through digital portable credential assessment and verification to guarantee that professionals serving communities have valid and authentic academic, professional and legal credentials that are imperative for employment opportunities within critical sectors.  

Digital portable credentials enable faster credential verification, easier transfer of licenses and certificates, access to the visibility of potential employment opportunities, a reduction in fraudulent credentials resulting in improved patient care, and the ability to track and log continuous employment and skill improvement.   

To further support the recruitment process and assist with an enhanced candidate experience, medical professionals using the DataFlow Group’s services have access to support through the application portal via chatbots which provide instant responses to user queries.  

In addition to streamlining recruitment and document verification processes, organisations can benefit from other various recruitment activities to attract talent and drive healthcare sector employment. Participation in job fairs, and career and networking events provides an ideal environment to engage with potential employees and provide information about available job opportunities on a more personal level. Posting open positions on online job portals and healthcare-specific platforms can also attract many potential recruits while highlighting the benefits of working within the healthcare sector.  

Collaboration with local and international universities, colleges, and educational and healthcare institutions can benefit job placement initiatives while showcasing any career development programmes and opportunities available in professional healthcare.  

Partnering with healthcare-specific talent acquisition agencies can help organisations connect with skilled medical professionals that meet the requirements of roles. Another way to connect with potential international recruits is via virtual events, including webinars, panel discussions and engagement sessions, allowing job seekers to understand more about your organisation and vacancies. 

Benefits of streamlined recruitment strategies 

The need for international talent in locations where the number of healthcare professionals needed to provide support cannot be sourced locally to fulfil the needs of critical sectors, including healthcare, will continue to be necessary for the industry's growth worldwide.  

Without efficient recruitment streamlining strategies in place, the healthcare sector will face challenges such as employee shortages, decreased quality of patient care, increased workloads on existing personnel leading to less efficient working environments, longer recruitment cycles, and financial losses in regard to additional overtime pay and the cost of temporary staffing.  

The number of international healthcare professionals in the Gulf is a testament to how efficient and effective recruitment processes can contribute to providing high-quality healthcare with the correct safeguards in place. 

Sunil Kumar is the CEO of The DataFlow Group. 

This article appears in Omnia Health magazine. Read the full issue online today.

Back to Management