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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) represents a significant neurological health challenge affecting thousands of patients across the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Access to Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMTs), which are crucial for managing MS progression and improving patient outcomes, remains inconsistent across geographic and socioeconomic lines. This policy dialogue, organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government in collaboration with regional health authorities and patient advocacy groups, examined the multifaceted barriers to DMT access and explored strategic solutions for creating equitable healthcare delivery models.
The dialogue brought together neurologists, healthcare administrators, insurance representatives, patient advocates, and policymakers from across the UAE, GCC states, and the broader EMR region to examine current access patterns, identify systemic barriers, and develop targeted interventions. Participants emphasized the critical need for coordinated regional approaches that address geographic disparities, insurance coverage gaps, and socioeconomic inequalities while leveraging technological innovations and cross-border collaboration.
Key findings reveal significant disparities in DMT access between urban and rural areas, with patients in remote emirates and regions facing substantial barriers, including limited specialist availability, transportation challenges, and inadequate insurance coverage for high-cost therapies. The dialogue concluded with a consensus that transforming MS care requires shifting from fragmented, location-dependent services toward integrated, patient-centered models supported by telemedicine capabilities, standardized treatment protocols, and enhanced regional cooperation.