The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has signed a strategic agreement with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to advance healthcare regulatory excellence in Abu Dhabi.
In the new phase of their partnership, the OECD will carry out a comprehensive study to assess and support the Department of Health’s regulatory reform efforts.
The project aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s healthcare regulatory framework by integrating Good Regulatory Practices (GRP), enhancing transparency, boosting accountability, and promoting high-quality, sustainable healthcare for future generations.
Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi Undersecretary Abu Dhabi DoH
“A modern, high-performing healthcare system depends on robust regulation. By embedding evidence-based practices and international benchmarks, we are creating a more efficient and resilient regulatory environment, ultimately improving outcomes for patients and providers alike.”
This partnership with the OECD is a critical step in strengthening the regulatory foundation. It reinforces the department’s commitment to world-class healthcare that is safe, transparent, and accountable, she added.
The newly launched Phase II builds on the foundation laid in 2019 when Phase I of the project focused on evaluating and enhancing DoH’s policy framework, building institutional capacity, and embedding evidence-based decision-making. Since then, DoH has implemented many of the OECD’s recommendations, resulting in greater predictability, optimized resource allocation, and improved regulatory performance.
Phase II will include a review of progress made on GRP reforms since 2019, the delivery of targeted technical assistance to reduce compliance costs, and the development of a robust public consultation framework.
According to the statement, the OECD will also assess DoH’s regulatory performance using the Indicators of Regulatory Policy and Governance (IREG) framework, which evaluates key areas such as regulatory impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, and post-implementation review.
