Home health tests aims to tackle disease before it strikes

At-home blood tests aimed at identifying potential health risks years before symptoms arise are set to become more accessible in the UAE, as healthcare providers shift their focus from treatment to prevention. These health assessments, starting at approximately Dh200, provide patients with insights into their future disease risk and the lifestyle changes they can make to prevent or delay onset.

More comprehensive services analyze hundreds of biomarkers, while DNA testing, costing several thousand dirhams, offers detailed genetic information.

The expanding market underscores a broader shift towards preventive healthcare in the UAE, spurred by new government initiatives in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that promote residents' greater control over their long-term health. Dubai recently established the Dubai Longevity Authority to encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce chronic disease and mental decline, while Abu Dhabi's preventive healthcare and pre-emptive screening initiatives are being spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and the Department of Health Abu Dhabi. Private operators have also ramped up their focus on wellness rather than responding to illness.

Aster DM Healthcare offers a home assessment for Dh599 ($163), providing a comprehensive, personalized health assessment based on over 120 biomarkers from a blood test and a urine sample. According to Alisha Moopen, managing director and chief executive of Aster DM Healthcare, understanding one's genetic code and microbiome, along with blood work, can reveal predispositions and vulnerabilities, enabling early intervention to prevent health issues.

However, Moopen emphasizes that 80% of the work lies in individual responsibility – maintaining good sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress management. She cautions against relying solely on advanced treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy or stem cells without addressing these foundational aspects.

The increasing demand for longevity medicine has given rise to various services, such as Medcare Hospitals' Lab at Home, Vesta Care, and Health 24/7, which offer at-home blood tests with results within 24 hours. These tests are part of a larger movement towards preventive health strategies. Ms. Moopen notes that insurance companies are also adapting, offering enhanced plans that support disease prevention and proactive health management, especially in the UAE.

The Dubai Longevity Authority aims for a 31% annual growth in the longevity sector, expecting a Dh35 billion ($9.53 billion) economic boost over the next decade. However, experts caution that consumers must critically evaluate wellness programs and resist marketing hype. Alex Zagrebelny, founder and CEO of the House of Longevity, a research and community platform, highlights that living conditions significantly impact longevity, and as health and wellness become priorities, existing industries must innovate to meet the growing demand.