Emirates Pharmaceuticals forms a national working group to support the sustainability of pharmaceutical supply chains

The Emirates Pharmaceutical Corporation has formed a work team that includes 16 strategic partners concerned with supply chains in the pharmaceutical and logistics sectors at the state level, including pharmaceutical factories, medical warehouses, storage facilities and logistical services.

The team aims to enhance the flexibility of the drug supply system and accelerate coordination between the concerned authorities, in order to ensure the sustainability of the availability of medicines and medical products in the country and support the readiness of the health system.

During a meeting held under the chairmanship of the Emirates Pharmaceutical Corporation, the team discussed coordinating efforts and developing proactive plans to ensure the smooth movement of medicines and medical products through the various stages of supply, starting from manufacturing and storage to distribution in the local market, enabling the pharmaceutical system to keep pace with changes and ensure continuity of supply.

The participants reviewed the reality of the pharmaceutical stock at the relevant authorities, as representatives of pharmaceutical factories and warehouses confirmed the availability of sufficient stock of medicines and medical products in the local market, and operational information and technical expertise related to the movement of pharmaceutical supplies were exchanged, which contributes to supporting proactive planning and enhancing the efficiency of drug stock management in the country.

The team is developing mechanisms for exchanging information and operational data related to pharmaceutical supplies, in a way that supports proactive planning and risk management, increases the efficiency of coordination between participating parties, and enhances the decision-making process at the operational and organizational levels, in addition to supporting the efficiency of drug stock management and ensuring the continued availability of vital medical products.

Director General of the Emirates Drug Corporation, Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, stressed that enhancing the flexibility of pharmaceutical supplies represents one of the basic pillars of supporting drug security in the country, noting that the Corporation continues to develop its regulatory system and enhance cooperation with partners in the health and logistics sectors, in order to ensure the sustainability of the availability of medicines and medical products according to the highest standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.

She said: “The formation of the team embodies the integrated work approach adopted by the institution with its partners in the government and private sectors,” explaining that “this step contributes to raising the readiness of the pharmaceutical sector and enhancing the ability of the national health system to deal efficiently with the variables associated with pharmaceutical supplies, in a way that supports the sustainability of health services in the country.”

For her part, Advisor to the Director General of the Emirates Drug Corporation and head of the team, Dr. Maryam Al Mazrouei, explained that the team is working to develop more effective coordination and communication channels between the concerned and competent authorities, which allows the exchange of operational data and technical expertise related to the movement of medicines and medical products, and contributes to supporting proactive planning and managing risks associated with pharmaceutical supplies.

She pointed out that one of the team’s priorities is to raise the efficiency of the logistical operations associated with the pharmaceutical supply system, including accelerating the procedures for entering pharmaceutical shipments and facilitating the movement of medical products through various ports of the country, which enhances the flow of supplies and ensures their continued availability in the local market in accordance with the highest standards of quality and safety.

The Emirates Drug Corporation stated that it will provide the necessary regulatory facilities to implement the procedures agreed upon within the framework of the team’s work, including extending the validity of import permits for an additional two months, explaining that its inspection teams will be present at the ports of entry of trucks to speed up customs release and inspection procedures for medical products and materials used in their manufacture in coordination with the relevant authorities.

The Corporation indicated that shipment release services will be available within company warehouses when needed, which will contribute to accelerating the operational procedures associated with the introduction of pharmaceutical products and enhancing the efficiency of logistical operations, while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality of products traded in the country.

The initiative to form a work team falls within the efforts of Emirates Pharmaceuticals to strengthen institutional partnerships with relevant authorities in the health and logistics sectors, in a way that supports the sustainability of pharmaceutical supplies, enhances pharmaceutical security in the country, and ensures the continued availability of medicines and medical products to meet the needs of patients and health facilities.