Abu Dhabi, UAE – In a move aimed at providing full support to families during one of the most difficult times, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) announced on Thursday that the Sanadkom initiative will now cover all residents of the emirate, not just UAE nationals. The initiative, which was previously available only to citizens, will fully cover all fees related to death-related transactions, from the issuance of death certificates to embalming and repatriation of remains.
The Sanadkom program is designed to simplify and streamline the procedures families must go through following the death of a loved one. By covering all associated costs, it ensures that residents won’t have to worry about financial burdens during such a challenging period.
Comprehensive Support for Families
The initiative is managed by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, which will bear all costs related to:
- Issuance of death certificates
- Ambulance transportation
- Embalming and preparation for travel
- Repatriation of remains
These services are now accessible to all residents in Abu Dhabi, ensuring that families can focus on mourning and honoring their loved ones, without having to deal with logistical and financial hurdles.
How Sanadkom Works
Sanadkom aims to ease the burden of administrative procedures for grieving families by offering a comprehensive, centralized service. Here’s a breakdown of how the initiative works:
- Initial Contact: After a death notice is issued, the Sanadkom team reaches out to the family to offer condolences and explain the services available under the initiative.
- No Need to Visit Multiple Offices: Families will not need to visit various government offices or entities. Instead, all procedures can be completed directly at the healthcare facility where the loved one passed away.
- Assistance and Guidance: A dedicated representative will be assigned to each family to assist them in completing all necessary paperwork and obtaining any required permits.
- Centralized Platform: Sanadkom uses a centralized platform that connects seven key government entities, including the DoH, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF), the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha), and the Abu Dhabi Distribution Companies (ADDC and AADC). This integration simplifies the entire process for families.
A Compassionate and Streamlined Process
Her Excellency Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Customer Experience and Relations Sector at DoH, emphasized the department’s commitment to providing exceptional services. “Recognizing the emotional toll of losing a loved one, the Sanadkom initiative provides compassionate support, guiding bereaved families through any required procedures,” Al Zaabi said.
With the expanded initiative now available to all residents of Abu Dhabi, DoH aims to continue improving its services to ensure the well-being of the entire community. Al Zaabi highlighted that this expansion is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to provide a unified approach to support residents during difficult times.
A Successful Launch and Community Impact
Since its launch in January 2024, Sanadkom has already been successfully assisting families of deceased citizens in completing the necessary death-related procedures. The initiative has been praised for its efficiency, simplicity, and empathetic approach, allowing families to focus on their emotional recovery rather than getting caught up in bureaucratic processes.
The extension of Sanadkom’s services to all residents further solidifies Abu Dhabi’s commitment to enhancing community welfare and ensuring that every resident, regardless of nationality, has access to the same high level of support during times of loss.
For further information or assistance, families can contact the Department of Health or visit their nearest healthcare facility.
