Health

Prescription medicine prices to drop

The Ministry of Health is to reduce the price of prescription drugs and other medicines from July 1.

Bana Qabbani

June 27, 2011

DUBAI // The Ministry of Health announced today that it will greatly reduce the price of thousands of pharmaceutical drugs and other medicines.

In the first stage, the price reduction of 67 of the drugs will take effect on July 1. Price reductions on another 498 drugs in that stage will go into effect on September 1.

MORE UAE NEWS: Our pick of today's top local news stories

Boost for Emirati teacher numbers Primary schools in Abu Dhabi will be staffed almost exclusively by female Emirati teachers, with hundreds to start work in public schools in September. Read article

Thermal work limit a real measure of stress The UAE's army of labourers is used to toiling in the heat but temperature is just part of the story. Read article

Rapper arrested for inciting lawlessness is just 'a cry baby' Man who wraps about torturing those who disrespect him, drug abuse and hating white people is nothing more than 'a cry baby', former classmates say. Read article


In the second stage, to be announced by the middle of Ramadan or after Ramadan, the price of about 2,000 generic medicines will be reduced, officials said.

There are 8,500 medicines registered in the UAE, including conventional medicines, herbs and food supplements.

In the first stage of the price reduction, the ministry has concentrated on innovative medicines. The price reduction in this stage will be from 5 per cent to 60 per cent. Twenty pharmaceutical companies have already reduced the prices of some of their drugs.

In the second stage, officials are looking to reduce the price of about 2,000 generic medicines that have been produced in the US and Arab countries. Those price changes will be announced either by the middle of Ramadan or after Ramadan. The amount of the reductions in the second phase has not yet been announced.

Also today, Ministry of Health officials announced that they have licensed the world's first oral medication for multiple sclerosis.

The UAE is the first country in the Gulf region to approve the medicine.

It has also been approved in the US, Russia, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Switzerland and Europe.

The medication costs about Dh10,800 per pack. A representative from the head of the patient affairs committee of the UAE MS support group welcomed the introduction of the medication since it provides another opportunity to treat MS patients.

"... There is the burden on residents in the UAE, which is affording expensive MS treatment," said Maha Raisi, the director of patient affairs at the UAE MS Support Group.

Although the new drug has already been made available in a few select pharmacies and hospitals in Dubai, credited to backing from the Dubai Health Authority, it was not announced as an officially registered medication by the Ministry of Health until today.

balqabbani@thenational.ae

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
if you go

The flights

Emirates fly direct from Dubai to Houston, Texas, where United have direct flights to Managua. Alternatively, from October, Iberia will offer connections from Madrid, which can be reached by both Etihad from Abu Dhabi and Emirates from Dubai.

The trip

Geodyssey’s (Geodyssey.co.uk) 15-night Nicaragua Odyssey visits the colonial cities of Leon and Granada, lively country villages, the lake island of Ometepe and a stunning array of landscapes, with wildlife, history, creative crafts and more. From Dh18,500 per person, based on two sharing, including transfers and tours but excluding international flights. For more information, visit visitnicaragua.us.