The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and MSD GCC, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, have today signed a declaration of collaboration. The agreement, which was signed by both parties at the BIO International Convention in San Diego, US – one of the premier life sciences events that brings together world leaders within the life sciences and biotechnology sectors – outlines key areas within which the two entities will work together to support the healthcare advancement and innovation in Abu Dhabi. The collaboration is in alignment with Abu Dhabi’s on-going efforts to position itself as a global leader in life sciences and an incubator for healthcare innovation.
Both the DoH and MSD share a vision of improving the health and wellness of the people of the UAE, through broader access to innovative medicines and vaccines, as well as other healthcare services. With this in mind, a delegation of the DoH headed by H.E. Sheikh Abdulla Al Hamed, Chairman of DoH, visited MSD’s Research Discovery Hub in Boston with the objective of knowledge sharing, discussing future collaboration areas and strengthening relationships. The research facility focuses on discovery research in immunology, oncology, diabetes and neuroscience.
The initiatives planned in the declaration of collaboration are aligned with the DoH’s Abu Dhabi Healthcare Strategic Plan, and its mission to promote the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a leading global life science and health technology hub.
Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research Centre and Innovation, at the DoH said: “Under the directives of our wise leadership, Abu Dhabi is leading the transformation of the regional healthcare ecosystem by leveraging sciences and technology, reinforcing its position as a global leader in life sciences and an incubator for healthcare innovation. DoH is always keen to collaborate with organisations that share our high ambitions for the Abu Dhabi Healthcare sector. We have made great strides in recent years to establish a strong and cohesive healthcare sector with a clear vision. Through partnerships such as this, we can ensure our future initiatives and ongoing efforts will strengthen and further empower the Emirate’s healthcare offering and ultimately improve the well-being of all members in our society.”
The first area for collaboration will look at scientific research and identifying ways to improve public health, with an emphasis on the use of real-world evidence to address local health needs and improve outcomes.