UAE’s MoHAP to enhance national newborn screening programme

When it comes to newborns, timing is everything. The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) knows this better than anyone, and it's doubling down on its mission to catch health risks before they take root. In a recent sit-down with private hospital leaders, MoHAP made one thing clear: early detection through the National Newborn Screening Programme isn't just a policy — it's a promise. "Safeguarding the health of newborns is a strategic priority," the Ministry stressed, underscoring its push for gold-standard preventive care across the nation.

How does it work?

The programme is methodical, precise, and deeply integrated into the country's healthcare fabric. Here's the rundown:

• A small blood sample from each newborn heads to the National Reference Laboratory for biochemical testing — an early-warning radar for hereditary disorders.
• Hearing tests ensure impairments don't slip under the radar.
• Cardiac screenings spot critical congenital heart defects before symptoms emerge.
• All results feed into Riayati, the national unified medical record platform, which stitches together patient data from public and private hospitals.

This isn't just about ticking boxes. Riayati's integrated database helps doctors act fast, armed with accurate, up-to-date information, while automation smooths workflows and boosts accuracy.

Why does it matter?

Because when it comes to genetic disorders or congenital conditions, days — not months — can make all the difference. Early detection means treatment can start before damage is done, reducing complications, cutting costs, and improving quality of life. MoHAP calls the private health sector "a strategic ally" in this mission, and for good reason — without their buy-in, the screening net wouldn't be nearly as wide.

This united front between public and private hospitals builds a safety net tight enough to catch problems before they become crises.

The context

The Cabinet Resolution on newborn screening isn't just another piece of bureaucracy — it's the rulebook guiding every hospital, clinic, and lab involved. It spells out everything from how to collect samples to how to follow up on abnormal results, even down to standard protocols for hearing and heart defect screenings. Circulars from the Health Regulation Sector back it up, ensuring that whether a baby is born in a city hospital or a rural clinic, the screening process is identical.

Globally, such unified approaches are rare. The UAE's decision to anchor the programme in both advanced technology and tight regulation places it ahead of many nations. By pairing high-tech health records with boots-on-the-ground expertise, MoHAP is building a healthcare system that's not just reactive but fiercely proactive — one where prevention isn't a slogan, it's standard operating procedure.