DoH Reaffirms the Pivotal Role of Family Doctors in Advancing a Patient-Centred Healthcare Ecosystem

19 May, 2025:

On the occasion of World Family Doctor Day, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, highlights the pivotal role family physicians play in building a healthier community, empowering individuals to lead longer, healthier lives while delivering continuous, high-quality care.

These physicians adopt a patient-centred approach that emphasises prevention and delivers integrated services that address the physical, psychological and social needs of every individual of all ages. The ‘Primary Healthcare Model’ is built on a long-term patient-physician relationship, providing higher quality care, better patient outcomes and a more resilient, sustainable healthcare system.

H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi said: “At the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, we believe that investing in family physician-led primary care is fundamental to building a healthier and more resilient community. As the first point of contact for individuals and families, family physicians play a vital role in championing preventive care and delivering high-quality, long-term healthcare outcomes for our community.”

Abu Dhabi’s primary care system is supported by over 818 registered family physicians serving across 237 healthcare facilities, supported by a multidisciplinary team of various specialists providing preventive care and chronic disease management. Additionally, family doctors also play a vital role in maintaining vaccination records, providing health education and guidance, addressing mild to moderate mental health conditions and coordinating referrals to specialists as needed.

Leveraging family doctors deep understanding of each patient’s medical history and equipping them with the tools and insights to detect chronic and hereditary conditions earlier in the disease, enables the development of tailored wellness plans that reflect the community’s unique needs and significantly enhances the patient experience.

To learn more about primary care and the roles and responsibilities of family doctors , visit: https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/programs-initiatives/Primary-Care