Abu Dhabi launches ‘Exceptional Quality Reward’ to elevate fertility services

Abu Dhabi: The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulatory authority for the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has announced the launch of the ‘Exceptional Quality Reward’ programme, an incentive-based initiative for healthcare service providers.

The scheme will initially focus on fertility services, with plans to extend it to other medical specialties in future phases.

The programme is designed to continuously improve the quality of healthcare services provided to the community, ensuring care delivery is in line with the highest international standards and best practices. It also aims to further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global hub for healthcare excellence.

Structured as a value-based care model, the ‘Exceptional Quality Reward’ programme will monitor the performance of fertility clinics against clearly defined benchmarks.

Healthcare providers that meet or exceed targets — such as better patient outcomes, adherence to medical best practices, improved patient safety, and enhanced patient experience — will receive financial and institutional incentives.

Dr Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, commented: “At the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, we are committed to the ongoing improvement of healthcare quality and efficiency across the Emirate. The launch of the ‘Exceptional Quality Reward’ programme reflects this commitment by recognising top-performing healthcare providers and encouraging others to raise their standards, ultimately leading to better clinical outcomes for patients.”

She added: “Fertility services were chosen as the starting point for this initiative due to their strategic significance in addressing reproductive health challenges. They play a vital role in helping couples realise their dream of starting a family. This programme will drive further progress in fertility care and build on the notable advancements Abu Dhabi has already achieved in this field.”

Abu Dhabi has cemented its position as a global leader in fertility treatment by embracing advanced medical technologies and innovative reproductive solutions — including egg freezing, fertilisation, and embryo transfer.

Earlier this year, the Department reported that the success rate of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in the Emirate had exceeded 51%, placing Abu Dhabi among the top global performers. In 2024 alone, a total of 6,180 IVF procedures were carried out at specialised centres in the Emirate.

Abu Dhabi is currently home to 14 dedicated fertility centres. The broader healthcare sector includes more than 2,800 professionals offering obstetrics and gynaecology services, supported by 45 women’s health and maternity facilities.

 These facilities are staffed by 700 specialists and consultants, along with 375 midwives, highlighting the Emirate’s robust and growing focus on women’s and reproductive health.