through acquisition of two healthcare companies

affordability. Medicentres operates four premium primary care clinics in Dubai, providing a comprehensive range of services, including medical and dental consultations, pharmacy services, and diagnostic services. Novitas specializes in cost-effective virtual and home health services and manages on-site facilities across the UAE.

UAE —Everest Health Investments, a healthcare investor based in Dubai, has acquired Medicentres Polyclinics and Novitas Health, two prominent companies in the UAE's primary health sector.

The acquisition aligns with Everest Health's commitment to expanding its primary healthcare offerings, both online and offline, while prioritizing convenience, quality of care, and

The CEO of Everest Health, Mr. Kartik Thakrar, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the strategic advantage of reaching affluent customer segments through Medicentres' high-end community clinics and Novitas' capability to offer smart and affordable home health and on-site services. With Medicentres Polyclinics and Novitas Health in its portfolio, Everest Health aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of primary healthcare services in the UAE.

The company serves approximately 350,000 patients annually, addressing the challenge of escalating healthcare costs by offering high-quality and highvalue healthcare services through inperson and virtual consultations. The healthcare sector in the GCC region is witnessing a trend of mergers and acquisitions. Amanat Holdings announced the creation of the largest pan-GCC post-acute care platform, while Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company acquired a stake in Burjeel Holdings to diversify its healthcare investments.

Mubadala and G42 merged their healthcare divisions to create an integrated, data-driven healthcare company in the UAE. Experts predict more mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations in the GCC healthcare market as it continues to mature. The region's healthcare spending is projected to reach US$135.5 billion by 2027, driven by factors such as the aging population, improving economic activity, focus on preventive care, and mandatory health insurance policies.

Rwanda’s novel approach to mental health challenges unveiled

RWANDA — A collective involving government agencies and nongovernmental organizations in Rwanda has teamed up to launch the Baho Neza – Mental Health Project.

The collective involves the Rwanda Biomedical Agency (RBC), a governmental agency that promotes high-quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare services, the Imbuto Foundation, the Genocide Survivor’s Students Association (GAERG), and Baho Heza.

Initiated by First Lady Jeannette Kagame to raise awareness on family planning and early childhood development. It will tackle the mental health issues plaguing the Rwandan population through different forums and campaigns.

The project seeks to address the urgent problem of mental health in

Rwanda and is focusing on six districts: Nyamasheke, Nyaruguru, Nyagatare, Musanze, Bugesera and Gasabo.

It aims to raise awareness of mental health among families and foster better well-being in these communities and to provide special attention to vulnerable groups such as mothers and their children, adolescents, and young people, as well as Genocide survivors.

Ultimately, the Baho Heza mental health project goal is to connect the most vulnerable to the necessary mental health services available at their respective health centers.

Dr. Jean Damascène Iyamuremye, the Director of the Psychiatric Care Unit in the Mental Health Division told The New Times of Rwanda that the Ministry of Health intended to explore the mental status of the Rwandan population and the impact of COVID on mental health.

According to a study conducted by the MOH Rwanda on the status of mental health in the country in 2018, the prevalence of mental health disorders was estimated at 20.5 percent among Rwandans.

The Rwanda Mental Health Survey found that the most observed mental disorders in the general population were major depressive episodes, affecting 12 percent of respondents, followed by panic disorder at 8.1 percent and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 3.6 percent.

These findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and interventions in Rwanda to address the significant burden of mental disorders in both the general population and among Genocide survivors.