The GCC healthcare market is estimated to grow to $56 billion by 2020, according to a report released by a private consultancy firm.

Part of a series of papers published by Falak Consulting Research Department (FCRD), which covers a number of sectors across the region, the report looks at various issues including treatment demand, healthcare infrastructure and market size.

It also provides detailed information on healthcare in each Gulf country.

"With the total healthcare spending in the GCC estimated at $46 billion in 2012, there are strong opportunities available for the private sector, particularly through the development of PPP (public-private partnership) models," said the report.

According to the report, the majority of hospitals in the GCC provide general healthcare services, with a limited presence of specialised facilities.

It identifies psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neonatal disorders, diabetes and respiratory diseases as leading causes of disabilities in the region.

The FCRD report pointed out that the low number of discharges seen in ailments like cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, neurology and urology indicate that a significant proportion of the population receives treatment outside the GCC region - meaning there is scope to increase the presence of such single specialty hospitals in the region.-TradeArabia News Service