Decision soon on medicine prices

“The Ministry of Health (MoH) is studying several proposals regarding the regulation prices of pharmaceutical products. Pegging of foreign currencies against the dirham is also under evaluation to ensure availability of medicines at affordable prices,” said Humaid Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Pharmacy Supply in the MoH.

Al Shamsi said his ministry has prepared a list with the prices of medicines and the currency rates available in the market, and forwarded them to higher authorities requesting a revision.

“A decision is expected soon. The MoH thanks all drugs companies that offer discounts on prices of some medicines,” he said.

The decision will support the availability of most types of medicines and fight against the monopoly of essential medicines.

About MoH steps to increase inspections of private pharmacies, he said his department has appointed 20 new inspectors in Northern Emirates, and increased the number of inspectors in Abu Dhabi from nine to 12.