Abu dhabi: The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has announced the setting up of a task force comprising 16 strategic partners involved in pharmaceutical and logistics supply chains across the UAE, including drug manufacturers, medical warehouses, storage facilities, and logistics providers. The task force aims to strengthen the resilience of the country’s pharmaceutical supply system and enhance coordination among competent authorities to ensure the continued availability of medicines and medical products in the country while supporting the readiness of the healthcare sector.
According to Emirates News Agency, during its meeting chaired by the Emirates Drug Establishment, the task force discussed coordinating efforts and developing proactive plans to ensure the smooth flow of medicines and medical products across all stages of the supply chain, from manufacturing and storage to distribution in the local market. This initiative is intended to enable the pharmaceutical sector to adapt to changes and ensure continuity of supply.
Officials also reviewed current pharmaceutical stock levels, with representatives from manufacturers and warehouses confirming sufficient supplies of medicines and medical products in the domestic market. Operational information and technical expertise related to pharmaceutical supply movements were exchanged, supporting proactive planning and enhancing the efficiency of drug inventory management in the country.
The task force will also develop mechanisms for sharing information and operational data related to pharmaceutical supplies, supporting proactive planning and risk management, enhancing coordination among participating entities, and strengthening decision-making at both operational and regulatory levels. This will improve inventory management efficiency and ensure the continued availability of vital medical products.
Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment, emphasized that strengthening the resilience of pharmaceutical supply chains is a key pillar of the UAE’s drug security framework. She stated that the establishment will continue to develop its regulatory systems and strengthen cooperation with partners across the healthcare and logistics sectors to ensure the sustainable availability of medicines and medical products in line with the highest standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness.
Dr. Mariam Al Mazrouei, adviser to the Director General of the Emirates Drug Establishment and head of the task force, highlighted the team’s focus on developing effective coordination and communication channels among relevant entities. This will enable the exchange of operational data and technical expertise related to the movement of medicines and medical products while supporting proactive planning and risk management.
The Emirates Drug Establishment clarified it will provide the necessary regulatory facilitation to implement the agreed measures, including extending the validity of import permits by an additional two months. Inspection teams will be present at truck entry points to speed up customs clearance and inspection procedures for medical products and raw materials used in their manufacture, in coordination with relevant authorities.
The task force initiative falls under the establishment’s efforts to strengthen institutional partnerships with stakeholders across the healthcare and logistics sectors. This supports the sustainability of pharmaceutical supplies, enhances drug security in the country, and ensures the continued availability of medicines and medical products to meet the needs of patients and healthcare facilities.