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Abu Dhabi Public Health
Centre expands its reference
laboratory for infectious
diseases, enhancing the
healthcare ecosystem’s
emergency preparedness
(ABU DHABI)
-
Abu Dhabi Public Health
Centre (ADPHC) has announced
the expansion of its
Reference Laboratory for
Infectious Diseases
(RLID-AD), marking a major
milestone in enhancing the
Emirate’s capacity to
detect, monitor, and respond
to infectious diseases,
while strengthening its
public health infrastructure
and excellence and
reinforcing its position as
a global leader in health
emergency preparedness and
response.
The launch
of the expansion was marked
by an event attended by
senior representatives,
including Dr Rashed Obaid Al
Suwaidi, General Director of
ADPHC; Rashed Al Qubaisi,
Group Chief Operating
Officer at PureHealth;
Arindam Haldar, Chief
Executive Officer of
PureLab; Dr. Rawya Al
Dhaheri, Executive Director
of Operations PureLab; and
Bader Al Qubaisi, Chief
Executive Officer of SEHA -
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City
(SKMC).
The expansion
of the Reference Laboratory
for Infectious Diseases,
located at SEHA Sheikh
Khalifa Medical City and
operated by PureLab, part of
PureHealth,
aims to advance the
laboratory’s molecular
diagnostics and infectious
disease testing
capabilities, streamlining
the entire process from
sample reception to advanced
analysis and genetic
sequencing. The upgraded
facility significantly
increases testing capacity,
ensuring rapid diagnosis and
effective surveillance
during epidemic or pandemic
situations while maintaining
the highest quality and
biosafety standards.
The expansion also includes
the activation of a BSL-3
mobile laboratory trailer,
which provides on-site
testing and analysis in
outbreak areas. This
advanced system enables
rapid response to infectious
disease events, further
supporting Abu Dhabi’s
surveillance and containment
capabilities.
Designed and manufactured in
accordance with
international standards, the
BSL-3 Unit reinforces Abu
Dhabi’s laboratory biosafety
framework and enhances the
Emirate’s overall epidemic
preparedness.
H.E. Dr. Rashed
Obaid Al Suwaidi, General
Director of ADPHC, said:
“The expansion of our
Reference Laboratory for
Infectious Diseases
represents a significant
leap forward in
strengthening Abu Dhabi’s
health security. Through our
investments in advanced
laboratory infrastructure
and biosafety capabilities,
we are ensuring that the
Emirate remains at the
forefront of epidemic
preparedness and response,
driving innovation,
fostering collaboration, and
setting new standards for
excellence in public health.
In Abu Dhabi, we are
reshaping the future of
health by predicting risks,
preventing disease, and
taking proactive action to
build a healthier, safer
community for everyone.”
“With the integration of
advanced molecular testing
and the establishment of a
BSL-3 Unit, we are now
equipped to deliver faster,
more accurate diagnostics,
reduce outsourcing
dependence, and enable
better resource management
and evidence-based
decision-making. This
milestone reinforces our
vision of creating a healthy
and safe society that is
resilient, well-prepared,
and supported by world-class
public health systems.”
The Reference Laboratory
for Infectious Diseases is
recognized by the World
Health Organization (WHO) as
a National Influenza Centre,
in addition to performing
the testing for measles,
rubella, and other
pathogens. Notably, more
than 50 percent of the
laboratory’s workforce
comprises UAE national
professionals, reflecting
their strong technical
expertise in advancing this
vital field.
The
expansion of the Reference
Laboratory for Infectious
Diseases forms part of Abu
Dhabi’s long-term vision to
strengthen its health
system’s preparedness,
resilience, and ability to
respond effectively to
infectious disease threats,
ensuring the health and
safety of all who live in
and visit the emirate.
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