Ministry of Health & Prevention confirms that the medicine Flumox is not available in UAE and warns passengers from bringing it to the country

UAE, March 14, 2017 - The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has issued a public warning against the circulation of videos containing healthcare information, especially with relation to medicines. The warning was issued following the recent circulations of a video regarding the antibiotic Flumox (250 and 500 grams) produced by Egyptian International Pharmaceutical Industries Company (EIPICO). This video is dated in 2015 and it should not be circulated now as it causes panic among the general public and gives wrong impressions regarding the drug control system, it also impacts the reputation of the exporting country and the producing company, which is actually one of the best in Egypt.

According to H.E. Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Policy and Licensing, MOHAP, and Chairman of the Supreme Pharmacovigilance Committee, the antibiotic Flumox is not registered in the UAE. He added that the Egyptian police has confiscated six million capsules of the banned drug in 2015.

7 initiatives to reduce the prices of drugs led to the provision of reasonably priced medicines 

H.E. Dr. Al Amiri said that the Ministry has implemented seven initiatives to reduce the prices of medicines in coordination with international manufacturers, ensuring easy access to high quality, safe and effective medicines. He explained the Ministry's efforts to encourage global pharmaceutical companies to manufacture drugs in the country in collaboration with local factories as a prelude to reducing the cost of shipping which can significantly contribute in reducing drug prices. 

The Assistant Undersecretary pointed out that the transfer of drug manufacturing technology to local factories will lead to the production of innovative and similar medicines within the UAE, providing patients with access to high quality medicines at reasonable prices. He explained that the country is working to develop this vital sector and support drug security through the creation of legislations and policies, and international promotional agreements to speed up the process of importation of raw materials as well as the promotion of medical research to enable the local pharmaceutical market to achieve self-sufficiency.

MOHAP’s plans to curb the practice of fraud and smuggling of drugs

Pharmacological fraud is a serious and disturbing practice for regional healthcare authorities, who are collaborating together to set out processes and control measures to limit the spread of this illegal practice in alignment with the global health measures that guarantee quality.

The role of the UAE Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the other health authorities through the National Anti-Counterfeit Committee, is to draw a strategy for drug control, especially now that the pharmaceutical market is witnessing dynamic growth with many new products. The challenge is big because medicine is a strategic commodity distinct from other consumer goods. Their importance is not subject to supply and demand but it is an urgent need to save human life. And the ministry’s ultimate objective is to ensure that all patients have access to safe, effective and affordable medicine.

MOHAP urges public to report illegal trading and use of Flumox

MOHAP also urged the public to refrain from communicating any healthcare information that is not validated by the ministry or by the local health authorities and to report any information about the illegal trade and use of Flumox in the UAE using the toll free number 80011111, visit TAMINI Link on the Ministry's website, or conatct any health authority in the UAE. 

MOHAP maintains regular coordination and communication with international drug agencies 

H.E. Dr. Al Amiri pointed out that the Ministry with local health authorities and the National Anti-Counterfeit committee maintains continuous communication and coordination with local health authorities and international drug agencies to investigate any warnings, complaints and adverse effects reported on any drug class worldwide.