Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), a subsidiary of PureHealth, has become the first academic medical centre in the UAE, and the first hospital in Abu Dhabi, to be awarded the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission International (JCI), in the Academic Medical Centre Accreditation programme.
JCI standards are the foundation of an evaluation process that defines rigorous international standards on quality, patient safety and healthcare performance. The accreditation was achieved through a rigorous process involving the Medical Education, Clinical Research and Quality Improvement Departments, which played a fundamental role in ensuring SSMC’s adherence to JCI’s high standards.
Several achievements in key focus areas have led to SSMC’s attainment of JCI’s Academic Medical Centre Accreditation. SSMC has demonstrated excellence in medical professional education through initiatives that enhance learning, integrate modern technology, and foster partnerships with leading academic institutions. The Clinical Research team has also adopted advanced protocols that adhere to international standards, ensuring robust, ethical, and innovative practices while prioritising patient safety.
SSMC has also implemented comprehensive quality improvement and patient safety programmes. As a tertiary care hospital, SSMC already collaborates with three leading medical schools, serving as one of the UAE’s principal training sites for medical students and postgraduate medical trainees. SSMC is also at the forefront of advancing medical, academic and human subjects research under multiple approved protocols, involving patients in cutting-edge studies that contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and the improvement of patient care.
Dr Marwan Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer at SSMC, said: “Receiving JCI’s ‘Gold Seal of Approval’ is more than just a milestone for SSMC, it reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare on a global level. The JCI accreditation is widely recognised as the gold standard for quality and safety in the healthcare industry, underscoring our commitment to providing world-class care.
“This achievement distinguishes SSMC as a leader in medical professional education, research, quality, and patient safety. We are honoured to establish a new standard for medical excellence, and we will continue to advance medical innovation and patient care.”
Dr Abdulkarim Saleh, dean of Education at SSMC, said: “This prestigious accreditation is a testament to our steadfast commitment to excellence in healthcare innovation, education, and research, placing SSMC among the elite healthcare institutions, globally.”
The JCI accreditation is the latest in a range of certifications SSMC has already received from both national and international entities, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional personalised care, fostering innovation, and continuously striving to exceed the expectations of both patients and international accreditation bodies.
