The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, and MSD GCC, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, have signed a declaration of collaboration.
The agreement, which was signed by both parties at the BIO International Convention in San Diego, one of the premier life sciences events that bring together world leaders within the life sciences and biotechnology sectors.
The collaboration is in alignment with Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a global leader in life sciences and an incubator for healthcare innovation.
Both the DoH and MSD share a vision of improving the health and wellness of the people of the UAE, through broader access to innovative medicines and vaccines, as well as other healthcare services.
This followed a visit by the DoH delegation headed by H.E. Sheikh Abdulla Al Hamed, Chairman of DoH, to MSD’s Research Discovery Hub in Boston with the objective of knowledge sharing, discussing future collaboration areas and strengthening relationships. The research facility focuses on discovery research in immunology, oncology, diabetes and neuroscience.
The initiatives planned in the declaration of collaboration are aligned with the DoH’s Abu Dhabi Healthcare Strategic Plan, and its mission to promote the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a leading global life science and health technology hub.
Asma Al Mannaei Executive Director Research Centre & Innovation DoH
“Under the directives of our wise leadership, Abu Dhabi is leading the transformation of the regional healthcare ecosystem by leveraging sciences and technology, reinforcing its position as a global leader in life sciences and an incubator for healthcare innovation. DoH is always keen to collaborate with organizations that share our high ambitions for the Abu Dhabi Healthcare sector. We have made great strides in recent years to establish a strong and cohesive healthcare sector with a clear vision. Through partnerships such as this, we can ensure our future initiatives and ongoing efforts will strengthen and further empower the Emirate’s healthcare offering and ultimately improve the well-being of all members in our society.”
The first area for collaboration will look at scientific research and identifying ways to improve public health, with an emphasis on the use of real-world evidence to address local health needs and improve outcomes.
The second collaboration is to foster educational and capability-building partnerships that aim to ensure the provision of advanced medical education to support the ongoing highest standards of care. This will include continued medical education programs for healthcare professionals, as well as promoting patient and public healthcare education through teaching programs and awareness campaigns.
The third area for collaboration will focus on increasing the use of innovative technological and digital health solutions to provide the highest outcome of quality care. Activities include exploring the use of digital technology, artificial intelligence and innovation for precision and personalized medicine to improve diagnosis and optimize the delivery of care.
Mr. Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director for MSD in the GCC, said that “The DoH has established one of the most innovative and sustainable healthcare systems in the world. Thanks to its early adoption of advanced technology to move the healthcare sector forward, as well as its understanding of the need to foster innovation within research and development to deliver medical breakthroughs. We are very proud to join hands with DoH at the BIO Convention in this collaboration. We are also delighted to have hosted DoH at the MSD Research Laboratories in Boston, being the first visit of a UAE delegation to our research facilities in the U.S.”
