DoH and Viatris partner to enhance Abu Dhabi’s mental health primary care models

In continuation of its efforts to further strengthen its position as a leading destination for healthcare, and to develop a strong home-grown healthcare workforce, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Viatris, a global healthcare company dedicated to empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life. The agreement aims to introduce an innovative upskilling programme to strengthen the skills of healthcare professionals, with a special focus on primary healthcare doctors in areas of early detection, diagnosis and management of patients’ mental health disorders.

The agreement focusses on providing primary care physicians with comprehensive medical education resources through a digitally advanced platform. Many of the resources focus on common mental health concerns related to non-communicable diseases, including psychosis, dementia, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, substance use, and child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. The upskilling platform will employ a three-stage methodology that focusses on capacity building, potential development, and expert recommendations for optimal mental health care.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Rashed Obaid Alsuwaidi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at the DoH, and Tamer El-Sallab, Head of GCC and Levant Viatris, in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the DoH, and representatives of the company, including Ayman and Ayman Mokhtar Regional President MENA & EURASIA Viatris and Dr. Urooj Siddiqui, Head of Medical Affairs, GCC and Levant Viatris, and Darein Hassan Head of Corporate Affairs for Gulf and Levant Viatris.

Dr. Rashed Obaid Alsuwaidi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector at the DoH said: “Partnerships like this serve as a testament to the DoH’s commitment to collaborating with strategic partners and uniting our efforts to further advance and accelerate the quality of healthcare services in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration comes in line with our continuous efforts to invest in human capital, and to further upskill our primary care physicians by providing them with the opportunities and abilities to offer mental health services to all community members. These services are in line with best international practices, in support the Department’s vision of ‘A Healthier Abu Dhabi’, and cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global destination for healthcare.”

Ayman Mokhtar, Regional President MENA & EURASIA Viatris said: “Viatris is proud to officialise a collaboration with the DoH, joined by a common vision to prioritise both the mental and physical wellbeing of our community. Through this collaboration, experts will share knowledge and resources that empower primary care physicians to provide access to the appropriate medical care for patients living with mental health conditions.”

Tamer El-Sallab, Head of GCC and Levant Viatris said: “Empowering primary care physicians with expertise in mental health is essential for a healthier community. This collaboration will support optimal identification and management of mental health conditions in a timely manner, and via a more holistic approach. We aim to contribute to a healthier future where mental health and wellbeing are prioritised, understood, and treated with utmost care.”

Guided by a mission to elevate patient experiences, this initiative places the patient journey at its core, beginning with strengthening the competencies of primary care physicians and healthcare professionals to deliver world-class clinical services. The goal is to ensure that patients have access to high-quality healthcare, including both medication regimens and consultations. This platform represents a pivotal step forward in enhancing patient care and, consequently, the overall health of Abu Dhabi’s population.