ABU DHABI: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the emirate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), the operator of Abu Dhabi’s Health Information Exchange (HIE) platform ‘Malaffi’, and MSD GCC, a leading biopharmaceutical company, to experiment with blockchain technology in a first of its kind initiative in the healthcare sector across the region.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Ashraf Mallak, Managing Director from MSD GCC, and Kareem Shahin, Acting CEO from ADHDS.
Signed on the sidelines of Arab Health 2024, the agreement will see the three entities come together and collaborate to assess blockchain potential while utilising the neutral platform of the PharmaLedger Association (PLA), a non-profit global organisation, to assess the technology and framework potential to support Abu Dhabi in achieving its ambitious vision of fortifying i
ts healthcare ecosystem. MSD GCC will play a pivotal role in this collaboration by providing its thought leadership and leveraging its extensive experience with blockchain technology across various application areas and markets.
Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi said, ‘The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s (DoH) partnership with Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS) and MSD GCC serves as a testament to our commitment to working alongside strategic partners within the healthcare sector to shape a future driven by healthcare technology.
‘This collaboration further solidifies the department’s ongoing efforts in leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the population’s health and well-being, ultimately paving the way for improved healthcare outcomes and advancing patient-centric care within the Emirate. These efforts further cement Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare and a hub for life sciences,’ she added.
Blockchain is revolutionising healthcare with its benefits, such as enhancing data se
curity and interoperability. Data becomes tamper-proof and seamlessly shared between providers, while patients gain unprecedented control over their data, granting or revoking access at will. Moreover, blockchain streamlines processes such as claims management and clinical trials, reducing costs for healthcare organisations.
Kareem Shahin stated, ‘One of the areas of interest for applying this technology in Abu Dhabi is enhancing data security and goods traceability among others. We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking collaboration with the DoH and MSD GCC. ADHDS will be the driving force behind the technical aspects of this partnership, which includes spearheading the assessment of the potential of blockchain technology in the Emirate.’
Ashraf Mallak said, ‘MSD will bring its strategic expertise and extensive experience in applying blockchain technology within the healthcare sector across various areas and markets. At MSD GCC, we recognise the immense potential of blockchain in revolutionising he
althcare delivery and data security as we are committed to providing our strategic insights, knowledge, and advice to drive the advancement of blockchain usage in the healthcare sector in the Emirates.’
Arab Health is the largest medical exhibition in the Middle East and is taking place this year at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 29th January to 1st February, 2024.
Source: Emirates News Agency
