UAE Health Council Outlines Bold Strategies for Healthcare's Upcoming Development
UAE Health Council Pushes Forward with Transformative Healthcare Initiatives
The UAE Health Council, under the leadership of Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, convened for a significant meeting to discuss and strategize ways to integrate its policies with global best practices in health and sustainability. The council, which plays a critical role in formulating forward-looking policies and integrating sectoral efforts, is focusing on a comprehensive strategy that includes digital health, licensing, accreditation, epidemic preparedness, AI in healthcare, health legislation, and risk management.
During the meeting, key representatives from both the public and private sectors were present. One of the key initiatives discussed was The Health Cloud Project, which aims to digitize healthcare systems for better data integration and service delivery. This project is part of the council's efforts to blend advanced digital and AI-driven healthcare technologies to achieve transformative improvements in healthcare quality, safety, and personalized medicine delivery.
Another significant initiative is the UAE's endorsement of the Executive Regulations for Organ and Human Tissue Donation and Transplantation. This move underscores the council's commitment to fostering a world-class, resilient, and inclusive healthcare system.
In 2021, the council undertook multiple initiatives to transform healthcare, including the launch of one of the world's most comprehensive Newborn Genetic Screening Programmes using AI for whole genome sequencing. This programme screens for over 815 treatable childhood genetic conditions, exemplifying the UAE's commitment to genomics-driven precision medicine and digital health innovation for early diagnosis and personalized care.
The council is also working on establishing a unified accreditation framework through the Emirates Council for Accreditation of Healthcare Entities. This initiative aims to ensure service excellence and promote wellness and preventive care.
In addition, a national policy to combat health risks has been approved, with the goal of improving health system efficiency, strengthening national readiness, and enhancing capacity building through international partnerships and scientific research. The council is also dedicated to ensuring the UAE's healthcare system remains competitive on a global scale.
To achieve these goals, the council is driving coordination between federal and local health authorities, as well as private stakeholders. They are also developing regulatory standards for artificial intelligence in healthcare to ensure its deployment is safe, ethical, and aligned with international best practices.
Moreover, the council is working on a national system for Unified Licensing for Health Professionals to streamline licensing across emirates and improve workforce mobility. They are also reinforcing the UAE's position on global health competitiveness indices and are committed to creating a unified vision for healthcare sustainability.
Lastly, the council is bridging innovation, regulation, and collaboration to meet the needs of future generations. They are also working on enhancing the country's epidemic preparedness and response capabilities through the National Centre for Epidemic Prevention. The UAE Health Council's efforts are focused on transforming the nation's healthcare landscape.
[1] Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. (n.d.). Newborn Genetic Screening Programme. Retrieved from https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/our-services/health-services/genetic-services/newborn-genetic-screening-programme
[2] Dubai Land Department. (n.d.). Employee Health Programme. Retrieved from https://www.dld.gov.ae/en/services/health-programme
[3] Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). (n.d.). Health Legislation and Licensing. Retrieved from https://www.mohap.gov.ae/en/services/health-legislation-and-licensing
[4] Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. (n.d.). Medical Awards. Retrieved from https://www.hrf.ae/en/awards/medical-awards
[5] Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). (n.d.). Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.mohap.gov.ae/en/services/public-health
- The UAE Health Council is collaborating with international partners to drive innovations in health and sustainability, aiming to create a unified vision for healthcare sustainability.
- The council seeks to foster a world-class, resilient, and inclusive healthcare system through research and development in areas such as artificial intelligence, genomics, and precision medicine, as exemplified by the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme.
- In favor of health and wellness, the council is establishing a unified accreditation framework for healthcare entities, working towards service excellence and promoting wellness and preventive care.
- To combat health risks and improve health system efficiency, a national policy has been approved, encouraging collaboration between federal and local health authorities, as well as private stakeholders.
- The council is developing regulatory standards for artificial intelligence in healthcare to ensure its deployment is safe, ethical, and aligned with international best practices, placing AI at the forefront of the future of medical-conditions treatment and diagnosis.
- The Health Cloud Project is one initiative aimed at digitizing healthcare systems for better data integration and service delivery, demonstrating the council's commitment to integrating advanced technology into the future of healthcare.
- On a global scale, the UAE Health Council's efforts include approving the Executive Regulations for Organ and Human Tissue Donation and Transplantation, showcasing the nation's dedication to fostering a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
