In the presence of Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Under-Secretary of Public Health Policy and Licensing sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), The Ministry of Health and Prevention has signed an agreement with GlobalPharma, a Sanofi company, to maintain a strategic inventory of medicines, to be utilised in case of crisis. The initiative is in alignment with the UAE federal government’s decision to make sure that all sectors are fully prepared to face emergencies or critical situations at all times.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Dr. John Paul, Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi Middle East.

Dr. Abdul Karim Abdullah Al Zarouni, Director of the Department of Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Operations, signed on behalf of the Ministry with Karine Labaky, ‎General Manager, Globalpharma and Middle East Head of Generics at Sanofi.

Dr. Amin said that the key objective of the Ministry is to enhance and protect public health by adopting innovative approaches and promoting a culture of proactivity and efficiency to secure optimal healthcare outcomes. This can be achieved by building superior quality and safety systems, backed by effective policies, strong legislation and programmes that evolve to meet the needs of communities in the UAE. Participation and support from industry partners like GlobalPharma help in reinforcing and sustaining the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Dr. Amin also highlighted that an efficient inventory control model and emergency logistics systems play a crucial role in maintaining reliable flow of vital supplies during unforeseen circumstances. The Ministry is proactively implementing measures to ensure adequate provision of medicines in order to provide the best services to patients and hospitals.

As per the agreement, the company will provide medicine inventory and maintain it permanently in quantities that cover the requirements for one year. They will be responsible for the safety of the strategic medical stock by adhering to the principles of good storage and distribution of pharmaceuticals. GlobalPharma will closely work with The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority to fulfill the terms of the agreement.

Speaking on the occasion, Karine Labaky said, "We are honoured to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention towards providing critical medical supplies that can benefit people during times of crisis. GlobalPharma is committed to meeting health challenges in different ways such as driving effective approaches for managing healthcare costs, improving access to essential medicines, supporting local manufacturing of generics and contributing to strengthening UAE’s overall health economy."

The agreement is based on Article No. 04 of Cabinet Resolution No.39 of 2015, which aims to provide and manage a strategic medical stock as part of the Ministry’s medical preparedness efforts to respond to medical and health needs at all times.

Source: Wam