The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) recently announced that UAE residents can now import medicines for personal use. This move comes as a relief to many individuals who require specialised or personal-use medicine that is not readily available in the UAE. The decision to allow the import of medicines was made in response to requests from UAE residents, who have been finding it increasingly difficult to access certain types of medication within the local market.
The MOHAP has made this decision in line with international best practices, and all imported medicines will be subject to rigorous quality control checks. The new regulations apply to both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as, medical supplies and equipment. UAE residents will be allowed to apply for a permit to import medicines for up to three months’ worth of personal use, with the option to extend for another three months. This means that individuals can import a maximum of six months’ worth of medication.
However, there are restrictions on select medicines that are deemed to be ‘narcotics’ or ‘controlled’ drugs. These medicines may be imported into the UAE for a maximum of three months and require additional documentation to be approved. The MOHAP has also emphasised that all imported medicines must comply with the relevant safety and quality standards. In addition, individuals must obtain a prescription from a registered healthcare professional in the country of origin. All such prescriptions must be translated into Arabic and approved by the MOHAP before the medicine may be imported.
This new regulation is particularly beneficial for those who require personalised medicine, which is tailored to an individual’s specific genetic makeup or medical history. Personalised or targeted medicine is becoming increasingly common and is used to treat a range of conditions including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. However, many of these medicines are not yet available in the UAE, and patients have to travel overseas to access them.
By allowing the import of medicine, the MOHAP is helping to ensure UAE residents have access to the latest and most innovative treatments whilst maintaining health and safety protocols. This will not only improve the health outcomes of individuals but also help to position the UAE as a leader in healthcare innovation and patient care.
The decision to allow UAE residents to import medicines is a positive step towards improving access to healthcare. It will provide relief to individuals who have been struggling to access certain types of medication and will help to ensure that individuals have access to medicine when needed. It is important to note, however, that individuals must ensure that all imported medicines comply with the relevant safety and quality standards, and that they obtain the necessary approvals and permits from the MOHAP before importing their medicines.