Ministry of Health and Prevention launches new ‘Electronic Import System' at GITEX Technology Week 2017

UAE, October 9, 2017- As part of its leading initiatives to develop innovative electronic registration and pharmaceutical control systems, the Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced the launch of its ‘Electronic Import System’ at GITEX Technology Week 2017 set to take place at the Dubai World Trade Center from October 8 to 12, 2017. 

H.E. Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Ministry’s Public Health Policy and Licensing Sector, stated that the Ministry is planning to roll out a bundle of innovative health services and sustainable smart solutions to enhance customers’ happiness and improve the quality of medical services and performance efficiency in the country in line with the ‘Future of Healthcare Shaping Strategy.’ The Ministry’s participation in this year’s edition of GITEX forms part of its objective to ensure the well-being of the local communities through provision of comprehensive and innovative healthcare services in accordance with global standards. In addition, the Ministry seeks to regulate the local medical sector by adopting an advanced and integrated healthcare legislation system and observing good governance.

H.E. Dr. Al Amiri also noted the importance of the Ministry’s digitalization and smart transformation initiatives to bring happiness to the customers of the pharmaceutical and medical supply companies. The new ‘Electronic Import System’ will not only facilitate and streamline processes for the customers’ benefit but it will also save their time and effort as the interactive platform is embedded with digital payment and electronic custom clearance capabilities.

H.E. Dr. Al Amiri also pointed out that the new electronic service will enable companies to import medicines, medical equipment and supplies, nutritional supplements with medical claims, medical products, raw materials, and chemicals online and allows custom clearance by allowing firms to coordinate with an inspector from the Ministry through the use of smart devices. 

According to him, the new system will facilitate and streamline the import and export procedures in the country’s medicine and medical supply segments. The launch will illustrate the UAE’s investment-friendly legislations and laws governing the pharmaceutical market. The country is considered the hub for pharmaceutical and medical supply industry in the Middle East and North Africa region thanks to the presence of numerous global companies and manufacturing plants in the local market. 

H.E. Dr. Al Amiri added: “We have made it easier for the importers to receive the preliminary approvals within two working days for their controlled and semi-controlled medicines; biological materials (manufactured using blood derivative); and medical substances to be used in exhibitions and events. The service also covers the importation and exportation of personal medicines; exportation of medicines and medical supplies; electronic clearance of imported cargo in ports; and the release of cargo shipments from licensed medical stores.