DoH And OECD Collaborate To Advance Regulatory Excellence In Abu Dhabi’s Healthcare Sector

The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi (DoH) has partnered with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to enhance healthcare regulations. This collaboration aims to refine Abu Dhabi's healthcare regulatory framework by integrating Good Regulatory Practices (GRP). The initiative focuses on improving transparency, accountability, and ensuring sustainable, high-quality healthcare for future generations.

Phase II of this partnership builds on the groundwork established in 2019. During Phase I, the focus was on evaluating DoH’s policy framework and enhancing institutional capacity. Since then, many OECD recommendations have been implemented, leading to better resource allocation and regulatory performance.

The OECD will conduct a comprehensive study to support DoH's regulatory reform journey. This includes reviewing progress made on GRP reforms since 2019 and providing targeted technical assistance to reduce compliance costs. A robust public consultation framework will also be developed as part of this phase.

An in-person mission by the OECD to Abu Dhabi is planned. This mission will evaluate how current healthcare regulations are reviewed and implemented. The goal is to ensure that the new framework supports both present needs and future ambitions effectively.

Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of DoH, stated that a modern healthcare system relies on strong regulation. "By embedding evidence-based practices and international benchmarks, we are creating a more efficient and resilient regulatory environment, ultimately improving outcomes for patients and providers alike," she said.

This strategic agreement with the OECD is crucial for strengthening the regulatory foundation in Abu Dhabi. It underscores the department's dedication to providing world-class healthcare that is safe, transparent, and accountable.

Evaluating Regulatory Performance

The OECD will assess DoH’s regulatory performance using the Indicators of Regulatory Policy and Governance (IREG) framework. This evaluation will cover key areas such as regulatory impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, and post-implementation review.

The project aims to enhance Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system by embedding evidence-based practices into its regulatory environment. This approach is expected to improve outcomes for both patients and providers while fostering a more efficient system overall.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing healthcare regulatory excellence in Abu Dhabi. By focusing on transparency and accountability, it aims to create a sustainable healthcare system that meets future demands effectively.

With inputs from WAM