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Pharmacist examination registration still open

DUBAI - At least 353 pharmacists and assistants have registered over the past three days since the Health Ministry opened registration for the upcoming licensing exams due to be held on November 23.

The registration is still open, officials said on Tuesday.

As reported by Khaleej Times on Monday, an unexpected rush of people was seen on the day registrations opened on November 13, prompting the ministry to extend the registration dates and divide the applicants into batches.

Officials also said that the huge crowd was ‘unusual’ but was handled swiftly. “The rush was due to people coming on visit visas to apply for the registration,” said Dr Fatima Al Braiki, Director of Pharmaceutical and Control Department at the ministry.

“We have an open policy and we give opportunity to everyone, including people on visit visas,” she said while suggesting a reason for the unexpected crowd.

However, she added that the issue had been resolved quickly by dividing applicants into batches of three of approximately 250 people each.

In the past three days, approximately 132 pharmacists and assistants have registered for the law exams, 128 pharmacists and 93 assistants for scientific exams. “The registration is still open,” said Dr Braiki.

Pharmacists’ exams are held after every three months. To be licensed as a pharmacist in the UAE, applicants have to appear for two written exams — one scientific and the other on UAE law.

Dr Fatima Al Braiki, also said that both the scientific and law exams had been separated for the convenience of people. “If, for example, the exams are held one 
or two times a year, it will be difficult for people,” she added.

In February this year, the ministry announced that healthcare professionals from 113 countries would be able to appear in the written licensing exams from their home countries online saving thousands.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE