Download IFM 2025 White Paper

Why this White Paper Matters:

• Establishes primary care as the backbone of a sustainable healthcare system.
• Introduces OP DRG for outpatient care to standardize pricing and control costs.
• Promotes integration between regulators, insurers, and providers.
• Positions digital health (NABIDH, telemedicine, AI) as core enablers.
• Aligns Dubai’s health reforms with global best practices and standards.

Key Message to the Healthcare Fraternity:

• Primary care must be the first point of contact as the GP is a gatekeeper.
• Prevention and early intervention reduce long term healthcare costs
• OP DRG is a system reform, not just a payment model
• Digital integration is essential for efficiency, transparency and trust
• Sustainable healthcare requires shared accountability across stakeholders

Critical Actions Going Forward:

• Accelerate OP DRG implementation with training and monitoring and reviewing the feedback in phases format.
• Expand primary care and preventive benefits across all insurance plans.
• Standardize digital pre authorization and eclaims platforms
• Invest in GP led models, telemedicine, and smart clinics
• Reinvest savings into strengthening primary care

Dr. Ibtesam Al Bastaki, Scientific Chair, IFM Scientific Committee said: 

“The outcomes of the IFM working session highlight the importance of aligning DRG implementation with a strengthened Primary Health Care model. This alignment is critical to enable integrated care pathways, reinforce prevention, early intervention and ensure that financing mechanisms effectively support the quality, patient centred care, improved clinical outcomes, equitable access, and long-term system sustainability.”

Industry leaders must recognise that this document is the primary industry beacon for the 2026 fiscal year and beyond. This whitepaper serves as the foundational roadmap that translates the government’s high-level vision into an actionable enterprise strategy.

Dr. Bakul Mukherjee, MD, MS (Reg. Affairs and Health Policy) Senior Principal, RWE, IQVIA, emphasised:

“This white paper envisions a healthcare ecosystem where GP‑first access, transparent inpatient/outpatient costs, and smart health innovation set a new global standard for equitable, efficient care in Dubai.

“Dubai is shaping a future where primary care, digital intelligence, and unified insurance systems converge is creating a seamless, data‑driven health journey for every resident.”

International Family Medicine Roundtable Whitepaper

(Dubai, October 21-23, 2025) Conducted by: