Web3 is swiftly making inroads into different sectors, with cryptocurrencies increasingly emerging as an alternative payment option, even within the healthcare industry. Dubai-based Health and Happiness, a chiropractic and physiotherapy clinic, has embraced this trend, becoming the UAE’s pioneer in accepting cryptocurrencies for its services.
Patients can now settle bills for chiropractic, physiotherapy, and other services offered by the clinic using Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as two leading stablecoins — USD Coin (USDC) and USD Tether (USDT).
To facilitate cryptocurrency payments across its three Dubai branches — located in Dubai Healthcare City, JLT, and Arjan – Barsha South — the clinic relies on HAYVN, a financial institution specializing in digital assets.
At the point of payment, the digital assets are converted into Emirati Dirhams (AED), mirroring the process of conventional credit or debit card transactions.
Upon payment, customers receive receipts denominated in AED, which can be used for insurance claims, streamlining the reimbursement process, akin to payments made in cash or via conventional cards.
This move exemplifies the growing trend of businesses expanding their payment options to cater to the increasing demand for cryptocurrency payments.
In addition to cryptocurrency payments, the healthcare sector is also adopting various other Web3 technologies, showcasing a diverse range of innovative advancements.
Earlier this year, Emirates Health Services (EHS) introduced a metaverse portal to provide virtual medical consultations. In December 2022, Accenture invested in BehaVR to develop immersive metaverse therapies aimed at addressing serious mental health conditions like anxiety and stress.
