DoH Unveils Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines to Enhance the Quality of Healthcare Services across Abu Dhabi

7 Aug, 2024:

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, has published a comprehensive Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines in a pioneering step towards ensuring standardised ethical practices in Abu Dhabi’s dynamic healthcare sector.

Built on best practices and in consultation with subject matter experts, bioethics is the study and practice of ethical implications and applications related to health and technology, including those emerging from advances in biology, medicine, and health-related sciences.

The new set of guidelines, which address the increasingly complicated ethical issues in the sector as it continues to grow and advance, were developed in line with findings from a series of workshops with more than 120 global experts and leaders in bioethics and in consultation with local and international experts. The development of the guidelines aim to strengthen compliance with existing bioethical laws and is a testament to DoH’s unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare quality while positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in healthcare ethics and innovation.

H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said, “Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector continues to grow at an exponential rate spearheaded by innovation. Our ethical standards must therefore reflect the dynamics of the market while considering the cultural values of the community we serve. The Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines address the ethical implications of technological advancements in healthcare, providing a framework for the responsible adoption of innovations such as artificial intelligence, genomics, and personalised medicine. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the healthcare system while embracing cutting-edge technologies that enhance patient care and outcomes. Moreover, the guidelines enhance preparedness for atypical events, ensuring that the diverse healthcare sector is better equipped to handle emergencies and crises effectively while adhering to rigorous ethical standards. This proactive approach not only safeguards the health and well-being of the community but also positions Abu Dhabi as a resilient and forward-thinking healthcare leader on the global stage”.

The guidelines were developed in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) and are recognised as a national reference for ethical considerations. Building on the existing Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Health Professionals (‘Code’) issued by the federal Ministry of Health and Prevention (‘MOHAP’) in 2017, The Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines aim to raise the profile of the local healthcare sector on a global scale in line with national efforts to transition to a knowledge-based economy.

Also commenting on the newly published guidelines, Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at DoH, said: “The establishment of a national guideline for bioethics is more relevant now than ever as the healthcare sector in the UAE continues to attract top talent from around the world. By establishing a uniform set of ethical standards, the guidelines ensure that healthcare professionals across the emirate adhere to the highest ethical principles, fostering trust and confidence among patients and the community. By raising awareness of patient rights and promoting ethical practices, the guidelines contribute to a more informed and engaged community, empowering individuals to make better healthcare decisions and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability”.

The guidelines address key areas with ethical considerations in the healthcare sector, including but not limited to responsibilities towards the well-being of the community, women’s health, mental healthcare, organ donation and transplant, medical tourism, clinical research and the use of innovative medicine. The publication of the Healthcare Workforce Bioethics Guidelines is a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi's journey towards becoming a global healthcare hub. It underscores the emirate's commitment to ethical excellence, innovation, and collaboration, solidifying its position as a leader in the global healthcare landscape.

To learn more about the guidelines, you can visit DoH’s guidelines webpage at the following link: https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/resources/guidelines