The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has extended the registration deadline for pharmacies and pharmacists in the emirate to June 29.

In line with a ministerial decision, the licensure and monitoring of in-patient and out-patient pharmacists and pharmacies in the emirate of Dubai has been delegated from the Ministry of Health (MoH) to the Dubai Health Authority(DHA) to avoid duplication of efforts and to streamline regulatory procedures in the emirate.

The transfer of these responsibilities came into effect from June 1 and is applicable for all pharmacists and assistant pharmacists as well as pharmacies in the public and private sector, and free zones in Dubai except Dubai Healthcare City.

All facilities (in-patient and out-patient pharmacies) and professionals (pharmacists and assistant pharmacists) with a valid Ministry of Health (MoH) license were requested to complete their registration with the DHA Health Regulation Department by May 31, which now has been extended until June 29.

Dr Ramadan Ibrahim, director of DHA Health Regulation said: “We have extended the deadline for the convenience of pharmacies and pharmacists and we encourage them to complete their registration before the June 29. Once they register with us, all successive license renewals with be with the DHA.”

He said the move to transfer the responsibility of licensure of pharmacies and pharmacists to the DHA health regulation department is aimed to streamline the regulatory procedures for the health sector in the emirate of Dubai.

However, it is important to note that all regulations for pharmacies and pharmacists will not fall under the DHA.

Dr Ibrahim explained: “Our role is limited to licensure and monitoring and will not include drug stores, drug registration, scientific offices, controlled medications, advertisements, export & import, which will continue to fall under MoH’s remit.”

He highlighted the cooperation and coordination between the DHA and MoH with a common aim to ensure high standards of healthcare for the population and visitors.

This decision applies to 600 pharmacies and 1500 pharmacists in Dubai. – TradeArabia News Service