Dubai: In line with the UAE Cabinet decision, Dubai Healthcare City Authority today announced that it will regulate the practice of pharmacies and regulate licensure of pharmacy practitioners within Dubai Healthcare City, the world's largest healthcare free zone.
The decision came into effect on November 1, 2015.
Under the purview of decision, the Authority will issue and renew licenses of pharmacies and pharmacy practitioners. The Authority will also conduct inspections and issue violations. Previously, these responsibilities were handled by both the UAE Ministry of Health and the Authority.
Starting December 1, 2015, new pharmacies and pharmacists will be required to register with the Dubai Healthcare City Authority, the governing body and regulator of Dubai Healthcare City.
Praising the UAE Cabinet decision, Her Excellency Dr Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of Dubai Healthcare City Authority, said, "The decision will only strengthen our governance and improve our standards. At an implementation level, advances of such nature have efficiency advantages. At a strategic level, it unifies our approach in all aspects of regulation."
"As we progress in achieving the goals set out in the seven-year UAE National Agenda leading to the UAE Vision 2021, in which the healthcare sector features prominently, we must take the necessary steps to quality assure and to work on policies that will help us continuously assess, monitor and improve," added HE Dr Al Gurg.
The UAE Cabinet decision, built on the need to streamline licensing, will affect 15 pharmacies and close to 100 pharmacists in the free zone.
The Authority will conduct regular on-site inspections and ensure that pharmacy practitioners adhere to the UAE Pharmacy Law and its stipulated legal, ethical and administrative guidelines as well as the Authority's quality standards.
The decision is a welcome addition to our regulations, said Dr Ramadan AlBlooshi, Managing Director, Dubai Healthcare City Authority - Regulatory. "We are putting considerable efforts to ensure that the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals including pharmacy practitioners in Dubai Healthcare City are maintained," he said.
He explained that licensure of pharmacy practitioners is linked to continuing professional development (CPD). "Apart from issuing licenses, we will have a record of professional development activities. To renew licenses, all pharmacy practitioners must demonstrate a minimum 30 CPD credit points."
Throughout November, workshops will be conducted with representatives from DHCC's pharmaceutical community to introduce the new process and highlight the governance benefits.
The Cabinet decision does not apply to pharmaceutical companies and their offices.
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About Dubai Healthcare City
Launched in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Healthcare City is the world's largest free zone for healthcare mandated to meet the demand for high-quality, patient-centered healthcare.
Through strategic partnerships, Dubai Healthcare City brings together a wealth of services in healthcare, medical education and research, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, wellness and allied support.
Located in the heart of Dubai, Dubai Healthcare City comprises two phases. Phase 1, dedicated to healthcare and medical education, covers 4.1 million square feet, and Phase 2, which is dedicated to wellness, will cover 22 million square feet. Development in Phase 2 is underway.
Dubai Healthcare City, overseen by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority, operates in:
· Healthcare: It is home to more than 130 medical facilities including hospitals, outpatient medical centers and diagnostic laboratories with more than 5,000 licensed professionals. Through the expertise of leading medical institutions and providers, patients have access to the A-Z of quality healthcare.
· Education and Research: Through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Academic Medical Center, Dubai Healthcare City aims to establish an integrated academic and clinical environment to build capacity and advance medical education in the region.
· Investment: Dubai Healthcare City offers medical and healthcare providers with a "one-stop shop" solution to set up operations and avail of free zone benefits. The investment product portfolio has clinical, commercial, retail, business Center and free-hold land.
· Regulatory: Under the Dubai Healthcare City Authority, the Center for Healthcare Planning and Quality is an independent regulatory body responsible for licensing healthcare providers and professionals, and setting and maintaining international best practice in healthcare delivery and patient care within Dubai Healthcare City.
For further information, please visit: www.dhcc.ae
© Press Release 2015
