The United Arab Emirates is the first in the world to obtain ISO for the management of the health system
The United Arab Emirates has achieved a remarkable global achievement that strengthens its leadership and its competitive position. The British rating agency Lloyd’s Register has declared the UAE the first worldwide to receive an ISO certificate in the management of the health and psychological safety system for workers. The Emirates Health Services Foundation, represented by the Al-Amal Mental Health Hospital, obtained a certificate to apply the International Standard Minimum Standard (ISO 45003:2021) for the management of mental health and safety. This accreditation represents an international recognition of the efforts of hospital management to ensure a safe, healthy and psychological work environment for workers at all levels.
The Foundation added to its international record of achievement a certificate that contributes to improved organizational resilience, enhanced performance and productivity, as well as a positive work environment, improved job retention and diversity, enhanced staff participation and innovation, legal compliance, reduced absenteeism from workplace pressures, and rates of job fatigue, anxiety and depression.
The announcement of the certificate came after the independent expert group from Lloyds Register completed a comprehensive audit of all the administrative and technical processes in the hospital, and ensured that best practices were applied and international standard controls were complied with.
An Unprecedented Global Achievement
Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Owais, Minister of Health and Community Protection, said that the efficiency of the health system in the UAE demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing advanced healthcare services, improving preventive and medical services, improving performance in all health sector facilities, and achieving sustainability in health services and health security. The UAE has taken a new chapter in its race for excellence, rising to the top ranks of global competitiveness in all international indicators and reports. He congratulated the Foundation Task Force and Hope Hospital for this unique global achievement.
Dr. Mohammed Saleem al-Ulama, deputy minister and chairman of the Emirates Health Services Foundation, said al-Amal Hospital’s certification strengthens the gains of the health sector, enhances the competitive efficiency of the state’s health facilities, and renews global confidence in quality health services in the UAE. He praised the efforts of the hospital’s leading medical and technical staff and their outstanding performance.
Adopting governance standards
Dr. Youssef Al Sarkal, Director General of the Emirates Health Services Foundation, stressed the keenness to adopt the standards of institutional and medical governance by applying the standards of quality and safety, providing an ideal work environment, and preserving the health, safety and well-being of health workers and the first line of defense, in light of the situation related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Hospital staff at all levels congratulated this unprecedented global achievement, which reinforces confidence in the efficiency of psychological services in the country.
He pointed out that the challenges associated with the emergence of the pandemic did not limit the institution’s ability to move forward with business continuity and services efficiently and excellently.
Incentive for continued excellence
Dr. Nour al-Muhairi, director of the Department of Mental Health, said: This achievement is a catalyst to continue our successes and establish a safe and secure working environment, immune to risks, to enhance the process of excellence and quality, and is part of the hospital’s series of achievements.
She explained that the preparation of the ISO 45003-2021 standard started this year to assist organizations that use the Occupational Health and Safety Management System, based on the ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Standard, which is the first global standard to provide practical guidance on mental health management in the workplace. Psychosocial risk management, as part of the occupational health and safety management system.
Dr. Amina Turki Al Ali, director of Al Amal Hospital, explained that the specification includes information on how to identify psychological and social risks that can affect workers, such as those arising from remote work, work pressures, or during emergencies and crises, and provides examples of effective actions that can be taken to manage these actions and improve employee welfare.
