Local health authorities
The emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai too have health authorities that work towards the vision of Ministry of Health and Prevention by regulating and developing the healthcare sector.
Department of Health-Abu Dhabi
Department of Health-Abu Dhabi is a local governmental entity established by a special Decree 1 of 2007. It was previously known as General Authority of Health Services for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The department was established for providing healthcare services to the citizens and residents of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and to fulfil the requirements of the provision of high quality healthcare services in accordance with international standards. The main function of the Department of Health is to regulate both the public and private healthcare sectors in the emirate of Abu Dhabi through policies, laws, regulations, inspections and audits.
The Department of Health took over all public hospitals and primary health care centres which were managed and operated by Ministry of Health in the emirate of Abu Dhabi as of 1 January 2005 and which are currently managed and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA). SEHA delivers healthcare services to both nationals and expatriates in the facilities regulated by the Department of Health. There are currently 46 primary healthcare centres, 12 hospitals (community and general) and 4 specialised centres and 3 dental centres in the public sector. Apart from these, the department regulates healthcare services delivered by more than 800 healthcare facilities in the private sector.
The department is responsible for licensing, quality control and regulating all the healthcare facilities and health professionals in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, with the vision to develop the health sector and to monitor healthcare facilities so that they deliver high-quality healthcare services in accordance with the best international practices.
Dubai Health Authority
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created in June 2007 by Law No. 13 issued by H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and to enhance the private sector engagement.
H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance is the President of Dubai Health Authority and H. E. Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami is the Chairman of the board of Dubai Health Authority.
DHA's aim is to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life in the emirate. This is a direct translation of the objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Keeping the strategic plan in mind, DHA's mission is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative health sector.
In addition to overseeing the health sector of the emirate of Dubai, DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities which include hospitals (Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta), specialty centres (e.g. the Dubai Diabetes Center) and DHA primary health centres spread throughout the emirate of Dubai.
The main pillars of service delivery at DHA health facilities are quality, efficiency, patients and staff. It is their aim to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of DHA’s health services. An important aspect of the service delivery strategy is to focus on patients, their needs and satisfaction as well as attract, retain, nurture and support outstanding staff.
List of local health authorities
