Department of Health – Abu Dhabi: A Complete Guide

Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) is the healthcare authority of Abu Dhabi, which regulates the healthcare system in the emirate and creates medical-related awareness in the public to promote a healthy lifestyle. Just like DHA, it establishes rules and regulations to operate a licensing structure, infrastructural development, and professionals’ fitness to ensure patients’ safety.

Established in 2007, the  DOH is playing a key role in maintaining the overall performance of the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi. It has set standards for public and private hospitals and clinics, including passing a competitive exam before getting a DOH license. Additionally, they also have an oral exam for the medical professionals to make sure they are able to communicate with the patients in a better way.

The Department of Health has several objectives, including establishing a connected and future-ready care system, becoming a global leader in digital health and data, and developing a skilled healthcare workforce. Along with this, it also aims to consider the emirates’ health setup as the best regionally as per thier official website.

Some of the initiatives it takes to fulfill its objectives are the Intellectual Property and Technology Management Program (IPTM), the Technology Transformation and Empowerment of Knowledge Generators and Innovators in Health (TEKI in Health), and the Support to Research Dissemination (SRD) Program. 

What is DOH in Abu Dhabi? 

DOH (Department of Health, Abu Dhabi) is the local healthcare authority that sets and enforces healthcare policies, regulations, and standards within the Emirate to protect and promote the health and well-being of its population. It is responsible for regulating health-related entities, including hospitals, clinics, universities, research institutions, private sector companies, and international organizations, as well as the licensing of medical professionals.

Who established the DOH in Abu Dhabi? 

DOH was established by the government of Abu Dhabi in 2007 under Law No. 1 to improve and regulate the Emirate’s healthcare system. It is responsible for formulating healthcare policies and overseeing their implementation. Additionally, it promotes health-related awareness to support Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision of becoming a global medical hub.

Where is the DOH headquarters in Abu Dhabi? 

The DOH in Dubai has multiple offices however, the main head office is located at Building 35 Kanadel Street, Al Rawda – Abu Dhabi ( UAE). This place is a central hub for Healthcare providers, insurance companies, patients with complex issues, and other stakeholders who often need to interact directly with the DoH. The other offices are located in Al Jewn Tower Office, International Patients Care (IPC) Office, Al Ain Office, and Al Dhafra Office.

What is the purpose of establishing the DOH in Abu Dhabi? 

The Department of Health (DOH) in Abu Dhabi was established to build a strong, future-ready healthcare system. Its goals include creating an informed population, enabling early disease detection, and ensuring high-quality care. DOH promotes digital health leadership and data innovation to have better patient history for future adoption and research. It supports a connected care model and focuses on patient satisfaction. Some of the objectives behind the establishment are mentioned below.

1. Informed and proactive population
2. Early and precise disease detection
3. Connected and future-ready care system
4. Superior results and patient satisfaction
5. Global leader in digital health and data
6. Strong and lasting healthcare system
7. Skilled and flexible healthcare professionals

What are the rules and regulations of the DOH in Abu Dhabi? 

The rules and regulations of the DOH in Abu Dhabi are different for different fields, including Medical Professions,  Private Health Facilities,  Sector Establishment,  Reproduction & Communicable Diseases, and Health Insurance. These regulations are made to ensure safety, quality, and accountability in the healthcare sector, covering a wide range of public and private health and medical sectors. From licensing medical professionals to regulating private facilities, every aspect is regulated through a specific DOH law. Some of the noteworthy legislations are provided below.

Sector Establishment: Law No. (10) of 2018 Concerning the Establishment of the Department of Health

Medical Professions: Federal Law No. (5) of 1984 Concerning the Practice of Some Medical Professions by Persons other than Physicians & Pharmacists

Private Health Facilities: Federal Law No. (4) of 2015 Concerning Private Health Facilities

Vital Events: Federal Law No. (18) of 2009 regarding the Regulation of Births and Deaths Registration

Reproduction: Federal Law No. (7) of 2019 concerning Medically Assisted Reproduction

Communicable Diseases: Federal Law No. (14) of 2014 regarding Communicable Diseases Prevention

Health Insurance: Law No. (23) of 2005 Concerning Health Insurance in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Organ and Tissue Transplantation: Federal Decree-Law No. (5) 2016 on Regulation of Human Organs & Tissues Transplantation

Medical Liability: Federal Decree-Law No. (4) of 2016 regarding Medical Liability

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products: Federal Law No. (8) of 2019 regarding Medical Products, Pharmacy Profession & Pharmaceutical Facilities

Health ICT: Federal Law No. (2) of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Health Fields

Violations and Penalties: Chairman of DOH Resolution No. (38) of 2020 – Health Insurance Violations and Penalties Schedule

What services does the DOH provide in Abu Dhabi?

DOH mainly provides services in four sectors: Public, Facilities, Professionals, and Insurance. The detailed overview of each one is provided below:

Public Health Sector

The Department of Health (DOH) provides essential public services, including managing birth and death certificates, supporting treatment abroad requests, and facilitating sick leave attestations. These services maintain accurate records and ensure individuals receive the necessary healthcare support. The main services provided by DOH in the public sector are:

1. Manage Age Estimation Certificates
2. Manage Birth Certificates
3. Notification for Amputated Body Parts
4. Burial and Cremation Services Management
5. Request to Manage Death Certificate
6. Request Statement of Medical Attendance

Healthcare Facilities Sector

In the facilities sector, the Department of Health (DOH) offers a wide range of services to ensure that healthcare establishments are properly licensed, accredited, and comply with regulations. Key services include managing healthcare facility licenses, registering ambulances and medicine transportation units, and providing support for the accreditation of medical educational and training facilities. The main services provided by DOH in the facilities sector are healthcare facility license management, staff rotations, and medical education and training program accreditation.

The main services provided by DOH in the facilities sector are:

1. Authorization of Medical Educational and Training Facilities
2. Manage Staff Rotations
3. Regulate Leave of the In-Charge Pharmacist 
4. Regulating the Healthcare Facility’s License
5. Registration of the Medicine Transportation Unit

Healthcare Professionals Sector

In the professional sector, the Department of Health (DOH) provides essential services to manage the licensing, certification, and professional development of healthcare workers. The main services provided by DOH in the professional sector are healthcare professional license management, part-time permit management, and medical education program enrollment.

The main services provided by DOH in the professional sector are:

1. Manage the Secondment of a Healthcare Professional
2. Manage Part-Time Permits
3. Request a Current Professional Status Certificate
4. Manage a Healthcare Professional License
5. Healthcare Professional  License  Registration 
6. Enrollment in Medical Sector Programs

Health Insurance Sector

In the insurance sector, the Department of Health (DOH) focuses on regulating and managing health insurance schemes and licenses for healthcare providers. Key services include handling the licensing of health insurance schemes, managing work licenses for health insurance, and overseeing the approval of health insurance and top-up products. The main services provided by DOH in the insurance sector are health insurance scheme management, healthcare provider insurance scheme management, and health insurance licensing.

The main services provided by DOH in the insurance sector are:

1. Management of Licence for Health Insurance Schemes
2. Request a License for Health Insurance Schemes
3. Approval Management for Health Insurance and Top-Up Products

Why is DOH important in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system?

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) plays an important role in regulating the emirate’s healthcare system by directly impacting the medical services, public safety, and sector development. Additionally, it sets healthcare policies for all healthcare professionals and facilities to maintain high levels of patient care.

The Department of Health also leads public health initiatives, creates awareness campaigns, and promotes preventive care. Below are sectors that show DOH is important for the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi.

• Regulation and Policy Setting
• Licensing of Professionals and Facilities
• Quality Monitoring
• Public Health Campaigns
• Digital Health Integration
• Global Health Rankings Improvement
• Innovation and Research Support

How can a healthcare professional register with the DOH?

A healthcare professional can register with the Dubai Healthcare Authority by obtaining a DOH license specific to their specialty. The process is generally similar across all specialties; however, the requirements vary depending on the field. Below are the steps to get a license from DOH.

1. Create an Account
2. Know the Eligibility
3. Primary Source Verification (PSV)
4. Complete the Application Form
5. Upload Required Documents
6. Assessment (If Required)
7. Pay Application Fees
8. License Issuance

What are the initiatives of the DOH in research and innovation?

The Department of Health (DOH) revolutionizes the healthcare system of Abu Dhabi through its research and innovation initiatives. These initiatives focus on improving drug safety, combating antimicrobial resistance, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the healthcare system. Below are the primary research and innovation programs led by DOH:

1. Real World Data/Evidence Research
2. Restrictions on Dispensing of Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobials
3. Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP)
4. GS1 Barcoding of Drugs
5. Harmonization with Global Standards

What opportunities does the DOH offer for practicing healthcare in Dubai?

The Department of Health (DOH) in Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of opportunities for healthcare professionals, including innovation, research, medical tourism, and professional development. These opportunities help professionals expand their expertise by connecting with peers from around the globe. Below are some noteworthy opportunities available after registering with the DOH.

1. Medical Tourism Development
2. Malaffi Health Information Exchange
3. Research and Innovation Center
4. Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP)
5. Educational and Training Programs
6. Collaboration in National and International Committees
7. Career Advancement through Licensing and Accreditation