DoH Announces Partnership with ADHDS and MSD GCC to Experiment with the Application of Blockchain Technology in Healthcare

29 Jan, 2024:

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), the operator of Abu Dhabi’s Health Information Exchange (HIE) platform “Malaffi”, and MSD GCC, a leading biopharmaceutical company, to experiment with blockchain technology in a first of its kind initiative in the healthcare sector across the region.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director from MSD GCC, and Kareem Shahin, Acting CEO from ADHDS.

Signed on the sidelines of Arab Health 2024, the agreement will see the three entities come together and collaborate to assess blockchain potential, while utilising the neutral platform of the PharmaLedger Association (PLA), a non-profit global organisation, to assess the technology and framework potential to support Abu Dhabi in achieving its ambitious vision of fortifying its healthcare ecosystem. MSD GCC will play a pivotal role in this collaboration by providing its thought leadership and leveraging its extensive experience with blockchain technology across various application areas and markets.

H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s (DoH) partnership with Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS) and MSD GCC serves as a testament to our commitment of working alongside strategic

partners within the healthcare sector, to shape a future driven by healthcare technology. This collaboration further solidifies the Department’s ongoing efforts in leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the population’s health and well-being, ultimately paving the way for improved healthcare outcomes, and advancing patient-centric care within the Emirate. These efforts further cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare and a hub for life sciences.”

Notably, blockchain is revolutionising healthcare with its multiple benefits, such as enhancing data security and interoperability. Data becomes tamper-proof and seamlessly shared between providers, while patients gain unprecedented control over their data, granting or revoking access at will. Moreover, blockchain streamlines processes like claims management and clinical trials, reducing costs for healthcare organisations.

Kareem Shahin, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), stated: “One of the areas of interest for the application of this technology for Abu Dhabi is enhancing data security and goods traceability among others. We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), and MSD GCC. ADHDS will be the driving force behind the technical aspects of this partnership, which includes spearheading the assessment of the potential of blockchain technology in the Emirate.”

Shahin added: “At ADHDS, we understand the critical importance of safeguarding patient information while enabling seamless data sharing for improved healthcare outcomes. With our expertise and experience in health data management, following the successful implementation of Malaffi as the first and foremost HIE in the MENA region, we are uniquely positioned to take the lead in delivering a robust and secure blockchain infrastructure that protects the privacy and integrity of health data in Abu Dhabi. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership holds for transforming the healthcare landscape in the Emirate and ensuring the highest standards of data security and interoperability.”

Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director, MSD GCC said: “On its part, MSD will be bringing to the table its strategic expertise and extensive experience in the application of blockchain technology within the healthcare sector across various areas and markets. At MSD GCC, we recognise the immense potential of blockchain in revolutionising healthcare delivery and data security as we are committed to providing our strategic insights, knowledge, and advice to drive the advancement of blockchain usage in the healthcare sector in the Emirates.”

Arab Health is the largest medical exhibition in the Middle East and is taking place this year at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 29 January to 1 February 2024. The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) is inviting guests to visit its stand and view the latest healthcare technologies and innovations in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector. The DoH stand is under the “Emirates Health” Pavilion, located in Hall 5, Stand B10.

To learn more about DoH’s participation in Arab Health 2024, please visit: https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/Arab-Health-2024