Strategic Leadership Outline a Specific Area Where

Strategic Leadership

Outline a specific area where a change would significantly improve productivity in your organization

In the UAE, health care services are provided by government with the rapid expansion of hospitals and treatment options. This is a part of an effort to modernize the health care system and improve quality. However, the prices associated with receiving a variety of services have increased dramatically. Evidence of this can be seen in a study conducted by the UAE government. They found that for a woman to have a simple procedure (such as: delivering a baby) the costs are between: Dh 6,000 to Dh 25,000. (Haine, 2012)

This is problematic, as these kinds of challenges could undermine the dramatic amounts of spending inside the sector to modernize and build more facilities. Once this occurs, is when it could place added strains on the health care system and the quality that is provide. If costs are effectively controlled, this would contribute to an increase in productivity and treatment options. (Haine, 2012)

Describe the current situation. Be accurate, factual, and unbiased. Do not make conclusions or recommend actions yet. This assignment is somewhat like a medical doctor diagnosing the patient. You should not recommend a "treatment" until after you/we are certain your diagnosis is thorough and accurate.

The current situation is that health care costs in the UAE are higher in contrast with many developing nations. The big fear is that if these challenges are not effectively dealt with. This could have an adverse impact on the nation's ability to compete on a global scale. A good example of this can be seen in the below table (which is highlighting the costs for heart bypass surgery in contrast with developing Asian economies). (Zain, 2010)

The Cost for Open Heart Surgery in the UAE vs. High Growth Asian Countries

Country

Average Cost for the Procedure

UAE

$44,000

Singapore

$18,500

Thailand

$11,000

India

$10,000

Malaysia

$9,000

(Zain, 2010)

These figures are showing how the underlying costs for providing many specialized and basic services are higher in the UAE. This will have an effect on the number of individuals who choose to seek out treatment inside the country vs. other nations (i.e. medical tourism). (Zain, 2010)

Analyze the situation. Relate the things that you have described in such a way that "connections" emerge that are logical and consistent rather than reactive and emotional. Show how these connections have consequences -- both positive and negative -- that affect your organization.

The impact of these changes will have some positive consequences. The most notable is that many of the treatment options are improving in comparison to Western standards. This is encouraging more citizens and medical tourists to visit the UAE. Over the long-term, this is leading to an improvement in quality and the number of choices that are available to stakeholders. (Zain, 2010)

However, the high costs will have an adverse impact on the ability of the health care sector to attract these individuals (especially when they compare prices with other countries). Moreover, this will place a drag on the costs for businesses by forcing them to pay higher taxes and fees. When this happens, many firms will be inclined to establish their operations in those countries that have lower costs and offer more services. (Zain, 2010)

Summarize your ideas, issues, and/or thoughts on potential barriers to improving your situation and potential advantages, opportunities and driving forces that could help introduce change.