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UAE, May 17, 2017 - Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention’s Public Health Policy and Licensing Sector and Vice Chairman of the Medical Licensing Committee, stated that 45 new private healthcare facilities - including 42 multi-disciplinary medical centers and three clinics - have been issued licenses since the beginning of 2017. He said that the increasing number of healthcare facilities reflects the transparency and speed of the procedures followed by the Ministry, encouraging the private sector to invest as a strategic partner to achieve the ministry’s objectives. He added that the major pharmaceutical companies are also setting up their regional factories and representative offices in the country. Closure of four private healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities in violation of federal laws On the other hand, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, represented by its Public Health Policy and Licensing Sector, has closed a medical center and a surgery department in a one day surgery hospital for violating Federal Law No. (4) of 2015 regarding private health facilities and two pharmacies for violating Federal Law No. 4 of 1983 regarding pharmacy and pharmaceutical institutions during the first 4 months of 2017. The duration of the closure varies from one to six months, depending on the violation and its direct effects on public health. The move was taken following inspections on 194 healthcare facilities and 313 pharmaceutical facilities during the period. Ministry keen to implement legislation that guarantees efficient licensing procedures and safe healthcare treatment Dr. Al Amiri pointed out that the Ministry is keen to implement laws and legislations that guarantee the provision of the best diagnosis and treatment by qualified medical practitioners, in advanced medical facilities equipped with high quality medicines stored and distributed according to the highest standards. And this is in line with the directives of the wise leadership and the responsibility towards the society. The Assistant Undersecretary clarified that the Ministry's decisions to close a number of healthcare facilities were based on the results of recent inspections and monitoring as these facilities had violated a number of health laws and safety standards. These violations include doctors and technicians practicing without a license from the Ministry; the failure of the facility to comply with hygiene and sterilization standards; disposal of medical waste not in accordance with local and international laws and standards; non-compliance the standards for the storage of pharmaceuticals products; and non-compliance with medical and technical safety requirements for operating rooms. One of the most serious violations is the manipulation of records on the disbursement of controlled drugs which can have negative implications on community safety. Dr. Al Amiri praised the private sector establishments which are keen to abide by the country’s health laws and regulations. He emphasized that the Ministry pays special attention to the concerns of the patients and their families who opt for treatment in private healthcare facilities in order to promote and protect the health of society at every level. Ministry’s Monitoring teams observed multiple violations at healthcare facilities during 507 inspections in Q1 of 2017 The Assistant Undersecretary noted that during regular visits to private health facilities, the inspection teams observed compliance with medical and pharmaceutical practices as per the laws and legislations and the team organized appropriate control records for violators in order to take the strict measures as per the health regulations. The inspections were conducted at 194 healthcare facilities and 313 pharmaceutical establishments, including private hospitals, healthcare centers, clinics, and specialized centers with private pharmacies in the Northern Emirates during the first 4 months of 2017.
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