DUBAI: In a groundbreaking development, the UAE has unveiled its first large-scale virtual hospital of its kind, marking a pivotal moment in regional healthcare.
A collaboration between Mulk International and India’s Ajeenkya DY Patil Group, this Dh100 million investment aims to revolutionise healthcare delivery across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions.
The initiative introduces the Mulk Med Virtual Hospital ecosystem, designed to offer comprehensive healthcare services through digital platforms. With more than 20,000 doctors on board, the virtual hospital promises round-the-clock access to consultations across 170 countries, including the UAE, Zimbabwe, and Papua New Guinea, where it has already made a significant impact.
The virtual hospital’s reach is further enhanced through the Mulk Med App and advanced video conferencing systems, making healthcare services accessible anytime, anywhere.
Dr Nawab Shafi Ul Mulk, Founder and President of Mulk Med Healthcare, emphasised that this partnership with the DY Patil Group is a monumental step forward in global healthcare innovation. “Our vision is to deliver quality care to underserved communities, especially in remote areas, by utilising cutting-edge virtual technologies,” said Dr Mulk. “This collaboration will redefine healthcare accessibility, bringing it closer to millions of people.”
Extensive services for all
The Mulk Med Virtual Hospital offers a broad range of services, from 24/7 telehealth consultations to discounted medicines delivered directly to patients' homes. With more than 500 pharmacies and service providers involved, patients can access a variety of healthcare services, including diagnostic tests, radiology, surgeries, and wellness treatments. The launch of the Mulk Medicare Privilege Health Card offers non-insured patients and UAE visitors discounts on medical services, providing affordable access to healthcare that includes access to genomics labs, longevity medicine, and precision treatments.
The system also features smart ambulances, mobile clinics, and home care services, aimed at improving emergency response and expanding healthcare access to rural and underserved areas. This innovative approach to healthcare is part of a broader strategy to integrate modern technologies such as AI, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimise patient care and recovery.
A global impact
Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman of Mulk International, expressed his commitment to societal change through healthcare innovation. “Our global investments underscore our dedication to fostering sustainable growth and addressing healthcare disparities in underserved regions,” he said. “By forging partnerships with local governments, we can ensure a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve.”
The collaboration is not limited to virtual consultations. It also aims to improve healthcare accessibility through comprehensive tourist healthcare insurance, providing medical coverage for inbound and outbound travellers. Additionally, cutting-edge ICU Pods, along with Mulk Vital Signs devices and AI-powered kiosks, will enable continuous monitoring of patients with chronic diseases, ensuring better management and improved hospital efficiency.
Transforming emergency care
The virtual hospital’s integration of smart ambulances and mobile clinics is a game-changer for emergency medical services. These innovations will not only provide lifesaving interventions but also increase healthcare efficiency by reducing the need for long-distance travel for critical care. This new model is designed to handle emergencies more swiftly, ensuring that patients receive the best care possible, even in remote locations.
Expansion plans for India and beyond
The partnership also aims to cater to the rising demand for medical tourism in India, particularly from Africa and other regions. Dr Ajeenkya Patil, Chairman of the DY Patil Group, noted that the group's extensive network of hospitals in India, with plans for seven new facilities, will complement the virtual hospital's services. “This collaboration will deliver a transformative healthcare ecosystem that prioritises affordability and accessibility, while maintaining the highest standards of care,” he said.
The Mulk Med Healthcare ecosystem is expanding rapidly and currently covers over a million insured patients across Dubai, the Northern Emirates, and Abu Dhabi. The innovative model, which blends digital and on-site healthcare, is poised for a global expansion, offering a sustainable and scalable future for healthcare.
Virtual hospitals
This new major virtual hospital initiative marks an important step in the country's growing virtual healthcare sector, joining platforms like the Mubadala Virtual Hospital and Dubai’s Virtual DHA Clinic, which already offer remote consultations and services to residents and visitors.
However, the region's largest virtual hospital is in Saudi Arabia. The Seha Virtual Hospital, launched in February 2022, serves 400,000 patients annually across 160 hospitals, offering specialised services such as emergency consultations and critical care, all supported by AI and IoT technologies.
Additionally, in the United States, the Mercy Virtual Care Center operates as a "hospital without beds," providing a broad range of telehealth services, including ICU care and stroke consultations. These examples illustrate the increasing global shift toward virtual healthcare, driven by technological advancements.