Department of Health—Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, continues to highlight the vital role played by Primary Care facilities in improving the quality of healthcare offered to patients via better doctor patient relationships.

In line with the goal to continue to improve the ease of access to primary care providers, DoH announced at the beginning of the year, that it no longer issues licenses for general healthcare clinics in Abu Dhabi. The decision excludes licenses for clinics located in construction sites, hotels, school, sports and social clubs, as well as companies. 

DoH pointed out that, to date, 49 primary healthcare providers in Abu Dhabi have met the new standards for Primary Care licensing, whilst 11 facilities were granted preliminary approval. As more Primary Care facilities become available, and with the newly adopted standards in place, it is anticipated the Abu Dhabi healthcare system will see better quality and more efficient care services. The newly adopted model enhances the healthcare offering in several different aspects including with disease prevention, health and wellness, patient counselling, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. 

H.E Mohamed Hamad Al Hameli, Undersecretary of Department of Health stated: “Licensing more Primary Care facilities in Abu Dhabi is a reflection of our ambitious plans and dedication to deliver premium, world-class healthcare services to the community in line with our strategic vision for a ‘Healthier Abu Dhabi’. Our efforts to develop the Primary Care offering have been steered by this vision and have created a solid foundation for the further enhancement of the healthcare system in the Emirate. As we continue to license more facilities, Primary Care centres will become the patient’s first stop where they can receive a more comprehensive, reliable and personalised medical treatment.”

“Primary Care facilities, help to build a stronger patient-physician relationship insofar as the patient is regularly following up with the same Family Medicine physician, who is well-versed both in various medical practices and the specifics of the patient’s situation. The Family Medicine physician can directly provide diagnosis and treatment as well as guidance and referral to other specialist care, if required.” Al Hameli added. 

All licensed, specialised and medical healthcare facilities that wish to provide Primary Care services must complete all specified requirements set forth by the Primary Care standard. 

According to many studies, the ease of access to Primary Care facilities for individuals can help boost wellness and life expectancy. Similarly, countries with more Primary Care centres have the lowest rates of mortality caused by cancer, heart attacks and other heart diseases as well as lower number of hospitalised patients.

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