(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM)) A UAE paper has said that with its target of attracting 500,000 medical tourists to Dubai by 2020, health authorities are working to heighten the emirate's health care profile. The Arab Health Congress, which concluded yesterday in Dubai, saw the launch of four new wellness insurance packages by the Dubai Health Authority.

"The salient feature of this initiative is that the packages cover all age groups, from adolescents to the elderly, and thus will help draw people of all ages to the emirate for health care purposes," said Gulf News in its editorial on Thursday.

The cost-effectiveness of the four packages is also a heavy magnet but the overriding benefit of this strategy lies in the fact that it addresses one of the most important aspects of health care preventive check-ups. A battery of tests, specialist consultations and diagnostic lab facilities are included in the packages, which can be availed of by not just tourists but also residents.

"Add to this the Dubai government's decision to star-rate hospitals by 2016 based on their services, and the target of 500,000 medical tourists by 2020 looks to be headed for the bull's eye," concluded the Dubai-based daily.