Since the Covid-19 pandemic, e-health in the UAE has emerged as a transformative force – combining technological innovation with medical expertise. The adoption of telemedicine, the integration of data analytics, and the launch of electronic health records (EHRs), electronic medical records (EMRs) and mobile health applications have revolutionised how health care services are delivered and managed at the national and emirate levels. Both the UAE and Ajman are committed to embracing digital health technologies to meet their population’s needs. Broader national initiatives, such as integrated digital platforms and tracing systems, complement the digital services available at the emirate level – which typically focus on access to information and services. The UAE government leverages digital systems for its strategic health objectives; Ajman’s health portal provides local, targeted information.
UAE Platforms
Two platforms operated by the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention have been pivotal in advancing the digitalisation of health care in the country. Tatmeen, a track-and-trace platform for pharmaceuticals, ensures the safety and authenticity of medicine. This tool enables serialisation and aggregation in line with GS1 standards – guidelines to improve the efficiency and visibility of supply chains by uniquely identifying, capturing and sharing key information. This enhances supply chain visibility from the manufacturer to the end user, while also facilitating recalls and combatting counterfeit drugs. Riayati is the National Unified Medical Record platform, connecting over 3000 health care facilities and providing a centralised database for EHRs and EMRs. These range from public and private hospitals to other clinics and smaller diagnostic facilities. Riayati improves patient care by ensuring continuity, reducing medical errors and streamlining health care processes.
Ajman One
The Ajman One app, developed by the Department of Digital Ajman, is a digital portal serving the diverse needs of citizens, residents and visitors by integrating information and real-time data on 149 services offered by the emirate’s private and public sectors. Within the health care sector, the app plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility and efficiency. By providing a comprehensive database of health care facilities, including pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, users can easily locate nearby medical services through an integrated Google Maps function. The app also offers real-time updates on available health services and reminders about medical appointments to ensure attendance at check-ups or treatments.
Private Sector Initiatives
While government e-health initiatives often focus on improving access, regulatory compliance and optimising public resources, those in the private sector revolve around boosting revenue, improving market competitiveness and enhancing patient satisfaction. Thus, private sector input complements the existing government initiatives at the UAE and emirate level. Telemedicine services are offered by most large providers, with some creating separate divisions for their telehealth services. Many private health care providers have integrated EMRs and telemedicine services across their networks of hospitals and clinics, enabling the seamless sharing of patient information and facilitating remote consultations. Further consolidation of digital health services will require sustained investment from the public and private spheres over the long term. Although the UAE is among the most advanced nations globally in digital penetration and digital literacy, some business leaders have reiterated that physical infrastructure and health worker training are of the utmost importance to maximise the benefits of the e-health system. “Robust infrastructure development and widespread training programmes for health care professionals are essential,” Dr Thumbay Moideen, founder and president of Thumbay Group, told OBG. “Through the strategic convergence of digitalisation, education and research, Ajman is positioning itself as a centre of excellence for health care innovation.”
