Prices of 115 pharmaceutical drugs reduced

The Ministry of Health announced on Sunday its approval for the reduction of prices of 115 types of drugs in UAE in cooperation with pharmaceutical production companies.

Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practices and Licensing assured the ministry's commitment to support the partnership strategies between the Ministry of health and local and international pharmaceutical companies.

The Ministry managed in a short time to reduce the prices of registered similar and innovative medicines to accommodate the needs and demands of patients.

"The Ministry encourages investment in the private health sector through encouraging such strategic partnerships based on trust, communication and transparency" Al Amiri said addressing a press conference today.

During the press conference held at the Dubai InterContinental Festival City in cooperation with Lilly Pharmaceutical Company, the registration of Pterion - a new drug taken once a week for diabetes patients - was also announced.

After Europe the UAE becomes the first Arab country to register the new drug which is taken as injection once a week to support the diabetes type 2 patients and help them reduce the numbers of injections.

"The Ministry is very keen to provide the best new drugs and adequate treatment for different diseases especially chronic diseases such as diabetes. We ensure the registration and availability of these drugs on condition they match the required registration and pricing conditions. The reduction price decision will take effect from 1st January 2012", he said.

Al Amiri explained that the drug price reduction initiative comes as part of the strategic partnership between the Ministry of Health and private sector. The Ministry's announcement is the second of its kind in the UAE pointing out that this part of the cooperation with international pharmaceutical companies in the UAE. The Ministry has previously announced the reduction of 565 innovative drugs and was implemented on 1st September 2011.

Al Amiri lauded the efforts of the international pharmaceutical companies in accepting the demands of the Ministry of Health to reduce the drugs prices optionally noting that the Ministry has solid strategic partnerships with the pharmaceutical companies in the UAE. "These kinds of partnerships have positive impacts on our relationships and support chronic disease patients", he elaborated.

The initiative is a good sign to reduce prices of innovative and similar drugs in the UAE to reach the lowest rates in the region. It also encourages investment in the health sector through solid partnerships and creates transparency with the community members. Additionally, the drugs price reduction ensures the availability of high quality standards of pharmaceutical services that would reach the UAE community members and segments with reasonable prices and rates.

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