The largest healthcare network in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been awarded the AAMEN certificate for its compliance to government-standard information security and data privacy guidelines.

Abu Dhabi Healthcare Company, also known as SEHA, owns and operates the UAE capital’s public hospitals and clinics, as well as COVID-19 PCR testing and vaccination centres around the country.

Undergoing an audit by the Department of Health (DoH) Abu Dhabi, SEHA was found to be compliant with the information security and data privacy standards required to protect sensitive patient and other healthcare data. These guidelines form the Abu Dhabi Healthcare Information and Cyber Security (ADHICS) Standard, first launched in 2019, which focuses on the regulation of the healthcare data in the emirate. This includes “integrity, accuracy, and quality of the information”, as well as ensuring that “information is readily available and accessible” at all times.

“The adoption of the ADHICS standard will enhance data privacy and security in Abu Dhabi’s health sector,” said Bader Al Qubaisi, SEHA’s Group Chief Information Officer of Corporate Information Technology. “The AAMEN certificate recognises SEHA’s efforts and commitment towards protecting digital and technology assets, and safeguarding patient data while providing healthcare services.”

THE LARGER CONTEXT

AAMEN was launched by the DoH Abu Dhabi in November of last year, with the first stage of the programme reportedly covering 60 healthcare facilities. It is expected that this audit will go on to cover all healthcare facilities in the emirate.

“Protecting patient security continues to be a top priority for us,” Abdulla Bader Al Sayari, Chief Information Security Officer at DoH Abu Dhabi, said at the time of launch. “The AAMEN audit programme is a testament to our continuous efforts and dedication to laying a foundation for a robust patient data privacy ecosystem within healthcare sector, especially as data protection becomes increasingly more important in the ever-changing digital era we are living in today.”

ON THE RECORD

“Our efforts in the last two years, achieved by the SEHA Corporate Information Security team alongside support from all departments across SEHA, supports the government’s objective towards enhancing cyber security,” Al Qubaisi continued. “Congratulations to our team on achieving this certificate of compliance as we continuously work with business partners from the region and beyond to implement best-in-class healthcare solutions for our nation.”