Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 6 June, 2024: In partnership with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the Dubai Health Authority has announced the launch of a groundbreaking project titled 'Health Standards for Organ Donation and Transplantation Services in the Emirate of Dubai.'

The Dubai Health Authority recently announced the initiation of the project, a collaboration with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). This initiative encompasses a comprehensive set of regulatory health standards developed by the authority as part of its ongoing endeavors to advance all aspects of healthcare services within a cohesive healthcare framework focused on enhancing quality and patient safety. This strategic move is poised to cultivate the growth and enhancement of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Dubai.

The standards outlined by the authority aim to streamline healthcare services across various domains including:

• Liver and Pancreas Transplant Services
• Heart and Lung Transplant Services
• Vascularised Composite Allograft (Limb) Transplant Services
• Human Organ and Tissues Donation Services (Living Donor)

In a proactive approach, the authority organised an informative workshop earlier, with the participation of key strategic partners and around 200 healthcare professionals.

The workshop was attended by representatives from pertinent healthcare entities, including Dr. Marwan Al Mulla, CEO of the Health Regulation Sector at the Dubai Health Authority, Dr. Ali Al Obaidli, Chairman of the National Transplant Committee; Dr. Maria Gomez, Director of The National Center for Regulating Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues and Subject Matter Experts from UNOS.

The workshop delved into various facets concerning the significance of introducing these new health standards, aligning them with prevailing regulations governing the service within the country and adhering to international best practices in the field. This synergy aims to ensure compliance of healthcare facilities and professionals in offering high-quality services, with the standards establishing definitive terms and conditions for service delivery, along with requirements for healthcare facilities and individuals in the sector to standardise procedures and adhere to best practices.

Dr. Marwan Al Mulla, CEO of DHA’s Health Regulation Sector, underscored the paramount importance of this strategic project, intended to bolster the ongoing efforts to augment the national organ donation and transplantation program of the United Arab Emirates. This initiative seeks to provide an efficient and integrated healthcare system rooted in excellence and top-tier healthcare services.

Al Mulla emphasised the significance of this strategic project aimed at supporting ongoing efforts to enhance the national organ donation and transplantation program in the United Arab Emirates. The project seeks to provide an effective and integrated healthcare system based on excellence and high-quality healthcare across all fields.

Dr. Al Mulla stated that establishing a patient-centric integrated healthcare system is a top priority within the authority's values and strategic plans. He stressed the importance of partnering with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) as part of the authority's efforts to achieve its vision of attaining global healthcare leadership in the field of organ donation and transplantation.

He outlined the multiple stages involved in realising the project, including evaluating the current organ donation and transplantation program in the Emirate, identifying areas for improvement, and working towards aligning with the best global practices in the field.

Dr. Al Mulla praised the significant and tangible achievements made by the authority over the past years in regulating organ donation and transplantation services in Dubai. These successes were realised through joint efforts by project stakeholders within the authority, strategic partners from the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, The National Center for Regulating Donation and Transplantation of Humans Organs and Tissues; the National Committee for Organ Transplantation, healthcare facilities, and healthcare professionals serving in the government and private healthcare sectors.

Dr. Hanan Obaid, Director of Health Policies and Standards Department at DHA’s  Health Regulation Sector highlighted that this project marks the beginning of a new phase of development and improvement to elevate the level of services provided in the field of organ donation and transplantation, aligning them with best practices in the field. The primary goal is to enhance and improve the service within a robust and reliable healthcare system, ensuring access for every patient in need of the gift of life.

Ayesha Ali Al Falahi , a Senior Consultant at the Dubai Health Authority, stated that the project to issue regulatory standards in partnership with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) has undergone multiple stages to ensure comprehensive coverage of all aspects of service delivery within globally applied best standards. The project included field visits and evaluations by working teams to several hospitals providing services in Dubai, to understand the implemented services, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and work towards standardising service delivery procedures in all facilities.