UAE launches smartphone service for the disposal of expired medicines

Dubai - The service covers medical and pharmaceutical products, including controlled and uncontrolled medicines.

Healthcare facilities and pharmacies in the country may now dispose of expired and unusable medicines as medical waste through the new e-service of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap). 
Owners and employees of health and pharmaceutical institutions can easily submit the form for the medical waste disposal on https://smartforms.moh.gov.ae/DDS. This platform, which can be accessed via smartphone at any time, also allows firms to save records and documents. 
The new smartphone service ensures that these types of waste are handled safely and in an eco-friendly way. It also helps facilities maintain physical distancing and boost safety in the community amid the Covid-19 pandemic. 
Dr Hessa Ali Mubarak, director of health empowerment and compliance department, said the service was part of the ministry's strategy for the e-transformation of its regulatory services. 
"This would help bolster Mohap's strategy to provide fair, comprehensive, and innovative healthcare services as per international standards, through integrated health legislation," Dr Hessa said. 
The service covers medical and pharmaceutical products, including controlled and uncontrolled medicines. "There are five categories, including uncontrolled medicines that are imported by a local agent; the controlled medicines of the second group listed in the ministry's resolution No. 888 of 2016, which are traded and imported by a local agent and distributed to licensed pharmacies and medical warehouses; medicines and drugs which were imported by Mohap's licensed warehouses according to a purchase order by public or private hospitals; all the pharmaceutical raw materials; drugs medicines and nutritional supplements that are prescribed by medical prescription," the official explained. 
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai