The Dubai Health Authority has extended the grace period for pharmacists and pharmacies in the emirate to transfer their licences from the Ministry of Health to the Commission until the end of June.
The Commission requested that pharmacists and pharmacies who have not been able to register and rectify their situation should start the registration procedures to obtain licenses required during the grace period in order to avoid any violations that may result from a delay.
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 29th of June. 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.
Dr Ibrahim went on to explain, "It is important to note that all regulations for pharmacies and pharmacists will not fall under the DHA. 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 the 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.