Dubai Health Authority takes over pharmacy licensing from Ministry

Dubai: The licensing procedures for pharmacies and pharmacists in Dubai will be handled by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) beginning June 1, 2013. For the first time, the DHA will take over the reins from the UAE Ministry of Health (MOH) regarding this licensure, which extends to renewals and regulatory processes as well.

The announcement was made on Wednesday during a workshop on new licensure regulations.

The new agreement, stipulated by the Cabinet decision number (3/3 and 1 of 2013) and the Ministerial Decision number (62) of 2013, will prevent duplication and streamline regulatory procedures in Dubai.

The change will affect 600 pharmacies and 1,500 pharmacists in the emirate, operating in public and private sectors. These have to register with the DHA by May 31.

The decision however doesn’t apply to free zones and the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC).

Dr Ramadan Ebrahim, Director of DHA Health Regulation told Gulf News that the change in licensing authority achieves several goals.

“Pharmacies and pharmacists operating in Dubai used to be licenced by both the MOH and DHA. Inspections too were carried out separately by both bodies. With the change, these areas will be streamlined and duplication avoided, he said.

Of the implementation, he said, that pharmacies and pharmacists with a valid MOH licence are required to register with the DHA Health Regulation Department (HRD). The DHA will issue a new licence once the MOH licence validity expires. “Registration is free, and can be done through DHA’s Sheryan services, the electronic system for licensing healthcare facilities and professionals. Charges apply for licence issuance and renewal,” he said.

Speaking to Gulf News, Dr Laila Mohammad Al Marzouqi, Head of Clinical Governance at DHA said that the change is also in line with the Guide on Health Facilities Regulations and Healthcare Professionals Licensing as per the directives of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. The Crown Prince issued a decision on the regulation of practicing of health professions in Dubai earlier this year.

“The DHA will monitor and inspect all pharmacies and pharmacists in Dubai to ensure regulations are adhered to. Steps are in place for non-adherence,” she said.

The next step, pharmacies and pharmacists, especially pharmacy chains, will have unified licences to practise in the UAE, she added.

Jobilal Vavachan, CEO of Aster Pharmacy told Gulf News that previously pharmacy chains like Aster had to obtain a separate licence for Dubai despite having a licence from the Ministry.

“It is a good initiative that is going to make regulation seamless,” he said. The Ministry will continue its role in relation to pharmacies and pharmacists in areas like drug stores, drug registration, scientific offices, advertisements, and export and import of medication.

In a media statement, Dr Amin Al Amiri, Asst Undersecretary for Medical Practice and Licence Sector at the MOH said that the change in licencing authority will be a financial relief for pharmacies and pharmacists as fees will no longer be duplicated.