Context

 The health system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi currently consists of a a population of about 1.5 million people, who are insured by about two dozen payers and can receive treatment in over 1000 healthcare facilities across the emirate. The shared vision for the health system in Abu Dhabi is as follows

• In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, everyone has access to healthcare.
• An open system for all certified providers of health services delivers World-class quality care and outcomes in compliance with the highest international standards.
• A system encompassing the full spectrum of health - protecting, promoting, sustaining and restoring services across the territory of the Emirate.
• Quality driven by ambitious improvement targets set by the regulatory authority of the Emirate and reflected in the regularly monitored and published key performance indicators of the system.
• Providers are independent and predominantly private.
• The health system finances itself through a mandatory health insurance for all AD residents.
• The financial system should be flexible in order to manage for change over time and the degree of subsidy should be managed as efficiently as possible.

This is encapsulated in the strapline for the Health Authority Abu Dhabi Reliable Excellence in Healthcare for the community. See also 07-06-24 HAAD Vision.ppt

A number of changes have occurred recently to move Abu Dhabi towards achieving the vision

• Mandatory health insurance was introduced from 1 January 2007 this year. Basic health insurance is provided by Daman, but for enhanced products there is competition from over 20 other payers
• The largest public hospitals now have management contracts with reknowned international providers
  • SKMC has a contract with Cleveland Clinic
  • Mafraq hospital has a contract with Bumrungrad
  • Al Ain hospital has a contract with VAmed
  • Tawam hospital has a contract with Johns Hopkins

• The General Authority for Health Services (GAHS) has been split into the Health Authority Abu Dhabi, which is the regulatory authority, and SAHA/Health Services Sector, which manages public providers. This clear separation of roles -- shown in the figure below -- enhances transparency and provides the basis for an open system