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UAE first to introduce FDA-approved diabetes drugs

DUBAI, October 9, 2015

The UAE was the first in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region to introduce FDA-approved drugs, which is a breakthrough in diabetes therapy, according to its Ministry of Health.
 
The emirates also was the first to introduce another drug to decrease morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients by at lease 20 per cent, it said.
 
These were some of the key highlights of the recently concluded GCC Pharmaceutical Congress in Dbai, UAE. to experts.
 
The conference highlighted several best practices in institutions within the GCC which has improved the pharmaceutical practice in the region, as well as the importance of education and mentorship to support excellence in pharmacy practice. 
 
Among the best practices shared was the state-of-the-art automated formulary management used by King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia. 
 
Dr Ahmed Aljedai, director of Pharmacy at the hospital, said: “Even in the world, we are not aware of any hospitals even in the United States who has adapted a fully automated system.” 
 
The mentioned system is web-based which allows the formulary management committee members to collaborate through a paperless format using web and phone applications providing more efficiency of the process. 
 
The conference also discussed the creation of a Gulf committee for the regulation, license, development and promotion of pharmaceutical care practice in the region. 
 
UAE’s Ministry of Health indicated the need to promote collaboration between unifying body and other institutions to advocate for pharmacists and provide opportunities for continuous education and development of required skills. 
 
Among the topics highlighting the importance of education and mentorship for pharmacy practice excellence include the Continuous Professional Development (CDP) programme which is believed to be a solution for pharmacists to catch up with the rapid developments in pharmacy practice in the region. 
 
Dr Ahmed Nadir Kheir, CPPD Coordinator and Associate Professor at Qatar University, proposed the creation of regional standardised and accredited CPD programmes to encourage inter-professional education and collaboration among pharmacists in the GCC. 
 
"“CPD programs ensure that practicing pharmacists have continuous access to the ‘tools’ for effective health care delivery,” added Dr Kheir. 
 
The conference concluded with three interactive discussions on an analysis of the importance of medical devices and consumables in pharmacy practice; quality tools for audit purpose in medication management; and the role of pharmacists as a community educator. - TradeArabia News Service



Tags: UAE | Mena | Diabetes | Pharmaceutical | Congress | Drugs |

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