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Doctors, Nurses Must Complete CME Hours for Licence Renewal

DUBAI - Starting July 1, all healthcare professionals will be required to complete the stipulated hours of accredited continuing medical education for renewing their licences, according to a recent circular issued by the Health Ministry.

The regulation will be applicable to all public and private doctors, pharmacists and technicians who want to obtain or renew their professional licence in the UAE, said Dr Amin Al Amiri, Executive Director for Medical Practices and Licenses at the ministry.

“There is an urgent need for these professionals to develop their career and skills for the benefit of all UAE citizens and residents,” he said.

All doctors and dentists will be required to complete 30 training hours, pharmacists 20 hours, nurses 15 hours and technicians 10 hours. All other applied medical professions must complete 15 hours as a basic requirement for professional development training.

For pharmacists, the CME programme is part of the upcoming federal pharmacy law that will streamline all pharmaceutical activities in the country. Nearly 3,900 pharmacists and assistant pharmacists in the private sector will be required to undergo the training.

Earlier this month Khaleej Times reported that a number of event organisers had accused medical professionals of skirting CMEs and getting away with it. A number of doctors had said that not enough relevant educational events were being organised by the ministry and health authorities.

“The ministry will soon begin organising educational and training programmes in cooperation with local health authorities, educational institutions and private pharmaceutical companies inside and outside the UAE,” clarified Dr Al Amiri.

The annual performance reports, promotions, and bonuses will also be a condition for obtaining or renewing the licence.

The professionals can register for training courses and get more information on a recently launched ministry website — www.cpd-pharma.ae.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com