Consumers claim that some conventional drugs are not distributed here. Others say that some OTC drugs, which are available elsewhere, have certain restrictions in the UAE.
C.J. Burnett, a Dubai resident who has incurable cancer (mesothelioma), was told that arcodexan cortesone, a drug necessary to alleviate his suffering, was not available here. "The claims of the Ministry of Health that all pharmaceuticals are readily available in the UAE market are not true," Burnett writes in a letter to Gulf News, listing drugs he could not find in the UAE in 2003.
Dr Eisa bin Jakka Al Mansouri, director of the drug control department at the Ministry of Health, admits that not all drugs are available here. Nevertheless, he says the ministry plays the role of regulator and not supplier or distributor. He says the supply and distribution of drugs is a function of the free market.
"The ministry has the primary role of regulating the drug market and other related aspects, such as licencing pharmaceutical products, licencing distributors and pharmacies and pricing. Supply and distribution are subject to market rules."
Al Mansouri says the ministry has proposed a budget of Dh250 million an increase of 40 per cent over last year for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies for the next fiscal year for hospitals and other facilities.
Local resident A.M. said an OTC drug dextramethoraphen that she used for her cough is sold here only with a doctor's prescription. "This is a very common remedy that can be purchased over the counter in most Western countries," she says. "In the UAE it is restricted. Why?"
Some drugs are controlled because of their potential side effects, says Al Mansouri. He says the health authorities have to protect the public to make sure abuses do not take place. "The said drug was restricted after it was determined that it creates dependence."
Gulf News
