Abu Dhabi’s DoH shuts down medical lab for breaching health rules and regulations

UAE – The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has shut down a medical laboratory after the facility was found to have violated a series of health rules and regulations.

The temporary closure of the Abu Dhabi-based medical laboratory follows allegations of health rule breaches after the DoH health authorities uncovered unsettling findings against the facility.

In a press release, the DoH said: “The closure of the facility is a regulatory measure taken to preserve the health and safety of community members.”

The lab was non-compliant with the Department’s regulations, policies, and circulars, as well as violating the electronic reporting systems pertaining to public health statistics.

Outlining the health audit findings, the Department of Health explained that certain violations were proven such as non-compliance with set standards of medical laboratories.

“The closure of the facility is also a regulatory measure taken to allow the medical laboratory to take all necessary corrective actions to adhere to the applicable health requirements,” outlined the Department of Health.

In the first half of 2023, the inspection teams at DoH carried out over 1,300 inspection visits during which 43 violations were detected.

Comparably, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi announced the referral of a pharmacy to public prosecution after monitoring operations of appropriation and damage to public funds.

It is in line with the Department’s efforts to further cement the position of Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system as one of the best in the world.

The 12 facilities were scrapped off the list due to failure to meet the standards set by the DoH in the developed model for home healthcare services.

The specific violations include non-compliance with regulations, policies, and standards issued by DoH, and provision of medical services not licensed for the healthcare facility.

Other facility closures were due to lack of healthcare professionals required to provide healthcare services within the facility, and nonadherence to safety and infection control requirements.

In line with its mandate as the regulator of the healthcare sector, the DoH has encouraged all health facilities operating in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to comply with its policies and regulations to preserve the efficiency of the healthcare system in Abu Dhabi.

The Department of Health called on all facilities to be well-versed with the legal requirements to preserve the health and safety of all community members.

The Abu Dhabi regulator further advised the compliant health facilities to continue providing healthcare services in accordance with international best practices.

Consequently, the regulator is set to embark on targeted efforts to ensure the enhancement of the quality and efficiency of healthcare services provided in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

By exerting its supervisory role to oversee operations, monitor violations, and assist violating facilities to correct any shortfalls, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health aims to achieve the health and safety of all members of society.

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