A private healthcare company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thumbay Group, plans to launch the Gulf region’s first virtual hospital.
According to a senior official at the healthcare company, the Group is working to have the project ready by October.
Thumbay Group launches UAE’s first virtual hospital
Thumbay Group founder Dr. Thumbay Moideen revealed that the proposed Metaverse hospital will be a full-fledged virtual healthcare facility. Patients will be able to use their avatars to consult doctors.
With the rapid increase in medical tourism, Moideen added that the hospital will allow people to glimpse what the Metaverse will look like from the plane and visit Thumbay’s healthcare center.
As for how Thumbay staff can function in the Metaverse, the hospital has engaged the services of a company to train all doctors on how to handle patients in the virtual space.
However, a decision on fees has not yet been made, but the founder said they will probably match the teleconsultation rates adopted by the healthcare operator.
Commenting on another technological aspect of the virtual hospital, Thumbay Group vice president Akbar Moideen revealed that Thumbay Group will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the hospital’s system.
With an AI-based system, cameras will automatically detect the patient’s car license plate and facial recognition once he or she enters the hospital environment.
In addition, as soon as the patient enters the reception desk, a file will already be opened for him/her, as there is no need for identification. The vice president revealed that the Group will implement the same system across the board in all Thumbay centers.
For example, if a patient comes to the pharmacy, the system automatically indicates to the pharmacist that the patient has come for his or her prescription drugs.
Thumbay to employ AR and VR technology for intensive care patients
The hospital has introduced AR and VR technology to help paralyzed or intensive care patients stay in touch with their homes.
Patients will be able to use the headsets to see their homes, which can psychologically affect their recovery.
In addition, Thumbay Group plans to offer unparalleled healthcare services that are not limited to UAE alone, but also to other foreign nationals coming for medical tourism.
With AR and VR technology, terminally ill patients can feel their home environment through headsets.
The vice president further added that the hospital is determined to embrace the digital ecosystem and leverage its technology to provide comprehensive healthcare to people.
The UAE is fast becoming a player in the virtual world, with public and private institutions moving part of their activities into the metaverse.
Dubai recently held its first wedding in the metaverse, attended by the bride and groom, along with their family and friends, using VR and AR devices.
The Gulf nation has invested heavily in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. With the addition of the Metaverse to its plan, Dubai is positioning itself to dominate.
The Metaverse will greatly boost medical tourism once the first virtual hospital experience goes live.
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