Abu Dhabi’s Ma’an partners with PHRMAG to fund innovative cancer treatments

UAE—The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association in the Gulf (PHRMAG) and the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an have launched a strategic partnership to improve access to innovative treatments for patients living with cancer and rare diseases in Abu Dhabi.

The initiative will support patients with the greatest medical and financial needs by improving access to advanced therapies within a framework aligned with the UAE’s national health insurance system.

The collaboration also strengthens public-private cooperation to deliver long-term patient care and improve health outcomes.

Supporting Patients Through Collaboration

The programme aims to provide sustained treatment while easing the burden on families facing complex medical conditions. It also supports the UAE’s Year of the Family by promoting social wellbeing and strengthening community resilience.

H.E. Abdullah Al Ameri, Director General of the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, said the partnership marks an important step towards building an integrated healthcare system for oncology and rare disease patients in Abu Dhabi.

He noted that the Authority will direct social contributions towards projects that create measurable benefits for patients with complex illnesses.

He added that bringing together the expertise of PHRMAG member companies through Ma’an’s platform will improve access to specialised healthcare services while reinforcing shared responsibility between the public and private sectors.

Under the agreement, Ma’an will oversee the allocation of contributions in accordance with approved project milestones.

In addition, a joint committee will meet every month to monitor implementation, review progress and provide strategic guidance throughout the programme.

Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s Healthcare Ecosystem

H.E. Mohammed Abdullah Al Awadi, Executive Director of the Health System Financing Regulation Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, welcomed the collaboration.

He said the initiative supports the department’s goal of providing accessible, world-class healthcare while encouraging medical innovation, research and earlier diagnosis of rare diseases.

He added that the partnership also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading regional hub for life sciences and healthcare innovation.

Sameh El Fangary, Chairman of PHRMAG, said the association remains committed to working with Abu Dhabi’s health authorities to ensure patients continue receiving essential treatments when they need them most.

He added that partnering with Ma’an reflects a shared commitment to developing sustainable solutions that improve access to high-quality care for patients with oncology and rare diseases.

Recent Momentum

The announcement comes shortly after PHRMAG’s General Assembly, where member companies reaffirmed their commitment to expanding patient access to innovative medicines, strengthening healthcare resilience and supporting sustainable health systems across the Gulf region.

The meeting also highlighted continued collaboration on regulatory reforms, resilient supply chains and policies that improve access to advanced therapies.