UAE Calls For Establishing A Generic Medicines Association

A senior official at the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD) called for the introduction of cost-effective drugs across Abu Dhabi through a strategy that does not compromise patient safety.

The usage of pharmaceutical products in the UAE has grown at a rate of 21 per cent per annum above the world average.

Ten key health regulators from eight Middle East and North Africa (Mena) countries, World Health Organization (WHO) delegates, and 20 pharmaceutical companies took part in the two-day conference.

The conference discussed the need to establish a Middle East Generic Association (Mega) to support the use of cost effective medicines without compromising the safety of patients.

According to Dr Al Khair, the association is expected to function as a common platform among regulatory bodies and the pharmaceutical industry across the Mena region. It will help ensure sustainable health care.

The total revenue from drug sales across the UAE stands at $1.2 billion a year (Dh4.4 billion), the HAAD official said, adding that 25 per cent of this was from sale of generic drugs, known as generics in short.

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