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Pharmacies to operate under DHA

All pharmacists and pharmacies in Dubai will operate under the Dubai Health Authority instead of the Ministry of Health under a new licensing unifying procedure. The ruling comes into effect from June 1.

Officials said the step was being taken to address the complaints of investors who said they had to obtain two licences to operate in Dubai. The new procedure will not affect patients directly, said the officials.

“The authority will oversee the licensing regulations, surveys and inspections of pharmacies,” said Dr Ramadan Ibrahim, Director, health regulation at the authority.

“Investors were confused by the existing laws and this decision was taken after five-month long meetings with the ministry,” he said.

The ministerial decision will apply to in-patient and out-patient pharmacists and pharmacies to avoid duplication of efforts and to streamline regulatory procedure.

The ruling will be applicable to all 1,500 pharmacists and assistant pharmacists as well as 600 pharmacies in the public and private sector, and free zones in Dubai except Dubai Healthcare City.

All facilities and professionals will have to register with the DHA from May 1 to May 31 but can only apply for a licence after the one with the ministry expires, said Dr Ramadan at a workshop held on Wednesday. A pharmacist has to pay Dh7,510 for a year long DHA licence.

“Our role is limited to licensure and monitoring and will not include drug stores, drug registration, scientific offices, advertisements or export and import, which will continue to fall under the ministry’s remit,” he said.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com