UAE launches 'Self-Audit' initiative for private healthcare facilities

DUBAI- The Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, has recently launched the "Self-Audit" initiative under the theme "Hand in Hand", to develop its measures in accordance with health regulations and laws.

The initiative focuses on promoting the quality of services provided by the private sector, so as to simplify the process of obtaining international accreditation. A list of inspection standards on health facilities has been published by the ministry, so that those facilities can conduct self-auditing process on their services and utilities, thus taking the corrective measures in accordance with the approved standards. In the meantime, the inspection team will conduct regular visits to those facilities to make sure that the required standards are met.

The initiative aims at acquainting private health facilities with the technical criteria, and MoHAP’s regulations and laws with a view to raising awareness among the owners of medical facilities, enhancing their spirit of responsibility and self-control, and reducing medical errors.

Through this initiative, MoHAP also is targeting the reinforcement of its relationship with the private health sector as being a strategic partner in providing medical services for the society. Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Hessa Mubarak, Director of Health Empowerment and Compliance Department, pointed out that the initiative would help enhance the quality of services provided by private health facilities, encourage investment in the country’s health sector and promote the medical tourism in the UAE. This comes as part of providing a vital legislative framework and, governance, and distinctive regulatory and supervisory services for the healthcare sector, as well as reducing the medical errors and working on boosting customers satisfaction with the services provided for them.

The criteria list includes several items, such as fundamental engineering requirements to ensure that these facilities are abided by the required space, considering the easy access and provision of services for all society segments, such as People of Determination (people with disabilities), in addition to respecting patient’s right to privacy.

The list also comprises the requirements of reducing or slowing the spread of infections by maintaining the health of medical staff, patients and visitors alike. Vaccination standards, requirements and ways of dealing with it were also included in this list.