Abu dhabi: The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has announced a breakthrough in the pharmaceutical sector with the activation of a new mechanism aimed at dismantling the monopoly on medical products. This initiative requires pharmaceutical companies to appoint multiple authorised agents for each medical product marketed in the country.
According to Emirates News Agency, this measure is in line with the Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2024 Governing Medical Products, Pharmacists, and Pharmaceutical Establishments. It aligns with the UAE's strategic goals to enhance national readiness, bolster pharmaceutical security, and ensure the sustainable availability of medical products across the nation.
The mechanism, implemented for the first time in the UAE, seeks to prevent monopolistic practices and mitigate the risk of supply disruptions due to emergencies or operational challenges. It aims to ensure continuous and sustainable availability of medical products, catering to the needs of patients and healthcare facilities at all times.
Furthermore, the new approach is expected to enhance supply chain flexibility, allowing for faster responses to demand fluctuations and public health emergencies. It will improve distribution efficiency through better inventory management and speed up the delivery of medical products across the emirates.
This initiative also aims to diversify distribution channels, prevent monopolistic practices related to quantity control or supply timing, and boost competitiveness among pharmaceutical establishments. It encourages fair competition in logistics services and raises standards for quality, storage, and transportation.
Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the EDE, emphasized that the mechanism is part of the UAE's strategy to develop a national pharmaceutical ecosystem that can adapt to evolving health and economic developments. He stressed the importance of supply chain diversification and regulatory efficiency to support the sustainability of the pharmaceutical market and public health protection.
Al Hajeri highlighted the UAE's strengths in pharmaceutical investment, positioning the country as a prime destination for global investment. He noted that the UAE's advanced infrastructure and modern regulatory frameworks encourage pharmaceutical investment and the establishment of regional presences by global companies. He also reaffirmed the UAE leadership's commitment to supporting innovation and creativity in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.