Abu Dhabi: The sale of prescription drugs is to be monitored following instructions issued by the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD).
Pharmacists have been told not to sell prescription only medicine (POM) unless a doctor's prescription is provided.
The objective is to reduce the irrational use of medicines and prevent patients from harm. One of the aims of the initiative is to prevent antimicrobial resistance and reduce self-medication.
"Without a prescription, patients often start an antibiotic course but stop soon after their health has improved. The fact that patients do not take a full course of treatment may cause increased resistance of bacteria to the antibiotic. This type of behaviour is considered irrational drug use," said Dr Abdul Karim Smine, Drug Regulations Team Leader, HAAD. A circular was recently issued by HAAD to all pharmacies in Abu Dhabi, stating that all POM must not be sold without a doctor's prescription.
HAAD inspectors will carry out random inspections of pharmacies. Any pharmacy found not complying with regulations will be fined.
"Our main objective is to promote the rational use of medicine and protect public health, not to close down a business," said Dr Smine.
Our main objective is to promote the rational use of medicine and protect public health, not to close down a business."
Dr Abdul Karim Smine
Drug Regulations Team Leader, HAAD
