Dubai, UAE. 27 March 2023: The Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH), Pure Heath and its subsidiary Rafed, have joined the National In-Country Value (ICV) program, one of the UAE’s Projects of the 50, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).

The MoU was signed in the presence of HE Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, HE Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, and HE Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi.

The three entities' enrollment in the National ICV program incentivizes ICV-certified companies, as it increases the demand for local products and services and redirects higher portions of public and private spending to the national economy. This contributes to the growth of the industrial sector and the creation of quality job opportunities.

 

The MoU was signed by HE Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, HE Dr. Jamal Mohammad Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, and Farhan Malik, CEO of Pure Health, on behalf of Pure Health and Rafed.

Empowering the industrial sector

HE Omar Al Suwaidi said: “As part of the Projects of the 50 and under the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, the National ICV program has had tangible benefits through enhancing integration between the ministry, federal and local authorities to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation within companies, including startups and SMEs.

 

“The companies enrolled on the National ICV program injected AED 53 billion into the national economy in 2022. The program aims to empower the industrial sector, improve its performance, and ensure its sustainability by increasing the In-Country Value of national industries and services, and redirecting public and private spending into the national economy.”

His Excellency added: “We use a specific methodology to empower the industrial sector, support national industries, stimulate investments, and enhance the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP. In doing so, we contribute to the objectives of the UAE to become a global industrial hub that attracts capital and invests in the industries of the future as well as develops industries based on technology and 4IR solutions in line with UAE’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions across all industries by 2050. Alongside other initiatives, such as “Make it in the Emirates”, the National ICV program, the Technological Transformation Program and UAE Industry 4.0 plays a fundamental role in supporting the growth and competitiveness of national industries.”

 

Joint efforts

Under the MoU, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, Rafed and Pure Health will cooperate to implement the program according to the standards set by MoIAT.

This partnership will support the resilience of local supply chains and motivate national companies to enter new partnerships to manufacture quality and globally competitive products. It will also contribute to integrating supply chains, enhancing self-sufficiency and boosting competitiveness in the pharmaceutical and medical supplies sector.

 

Commenting on the occasion, H.E Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health Abu Dhabi stated: “Under the directives of the UAE's wise leadership, we are pleased to be joining the ICV program, in a step that aligns with DoH’s strategy and our relentless efforts to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare, capable of providing a competitive edge for investors and entrepreneurs. As the Emirate’s healthcare regulator, we strive to support our national industry, and further strengthen the healthcare sector and its services. By joining the ICV program, DoH will support the UAE’s investments in a value-added economy and a sustainable healthcare sector, while ensuring the creation of new job opportunities for local talents, thus benefiting the members of our community in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. With the end goal of contributing to the development of our national economy, we remain focused on cooperating with local and international partners, elevating our research capabilities and empowering our workforce.”

 

Farhan Malik, the Managing Director and CEO of PureHealth Group, said: “As the UAE’s largest healthcare group, PureHealth is committed to not only elevating the healthcare landscape in the country but also supporting the growth of the UAE’s industrial sector, developing local capabilities, and boosting the In-Country Value to ensure a sustainable future to achieve the future industrial vision. PureHealth, and its subsidiary Rafed, are privileged to sign the MoU with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology on furthering the ICV agenda, which will help build a sustainable and prosperous future for the UAE.”

 

Malik added: “Over the years, PureHealth has closely collaborated with MoIAT, and we are thankful to the ministry for facilitating the platforms and initiatives for companies to create synergies that support the UAE’s national industrial agenda.  PureHealth has also committed AED 10 billion in the next 10 years towards local procurement to boost local industrial production in the country.”

 

 

The National In-Country Value program 

The MoU is in line with the ministry’s strategic objectives to support the UAE’s industrial sector and national economy. It aims to expand the implementation of the National ICV program to include all sectors at the federal and local levels. The National ICV program redirected more than AED 53 billion into the national economy in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 25%.