Tag Archives: careers
108 new drugs get the ministry nod
108 new drugs get the ministry nod Asma Ali Zain / 7 July 2013 As many as 108 new drugs for different ailments including for the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, allergies and cardiac issues have been approved by the Health Ministry. Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri chairing a meeting of the National Supreme Drug Registration and Pricing Committee in Abu Dhabi recently. — Supplied photo Clinical studies on two new drugs for tumours have also been approved in two hospitals, said Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practices and Licensing, on Saturday. The ministry also cancelled the registration of eye drops of Quinax brand used for the treatment of cataract since the drug is no longer registered in the country of origin. The decisions were taken at a meeting held by the National Supreme Drug Registration and Pricing Committee held in Abu Dhabi. Prescription curbs eased Doctors will be able to prescribe semi-controlled drugs more freely under a recently changed prescription method implemented by the Health Ministry, said a senior official on Saturday. The new prescription method will reduce patient visits to doctors, lessen the burden on insurance companies and prevent misuse, said Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Practices and Licensing at the ministry. The prescription would mainly be for drugs used for psychiatric patients. Under the change, a consultant or specialist concerned will now be able to prescribe drugs for up to three months instead of the earlier one month. This includes two refills which mean patients would not need to visit a doctor again to obtain a refill, said Dr Amiri. Likewise, a general consultant can prescribe for a total of two months while a general practitioner could prescribe for one month only (earlier it was one week). asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com Of the 108 new medicines, 13 are innovative drugs, 16 are biological and 91 are generic medicines produced by local, GCC-based and some international pharmaceutical factories. “This approval has been given after an in-depth study done on the bio-quality of these drugs to ensure they are effective and can provide multi-substitutes for medicines,” said Dr Amiri. “We also hope that with the addition of these drugs, there will be no shortage in the country and patients can fulfil their needs,” he added. The committee approved the registration of seven new drug factories but deferred the registration of two others for not meeting the full technical conditions. It also decided to cancel the registration of one Arab medicine manufacturing factory as per the recommendations of the executive office of the GCC health ministers for not adhering to the specifications. The committee also refuted arguments of an international firm for patent of one of its medicines used for psychiatric ailments as the patent had expired in the country of origin. asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
July 4th special: Experiencing US flavour
July 4th special: Experiencing US flavour Sarah Young / 6 July 2013 A mechanical bull, Creedance Clearwater Revival, and plenty of red, white and blue confetti helped the American community in Dubai celebrate the 237th anniversary of their country’s independence, as trade relations with the UAE continue to grow. Consulate General of the USA political-economic station chief Tanya Spencer said the 4th of July event, attended by about 600 people, not only marked the US declaration of independence, but also the success of the American business community in the UAE. Trade value figures were up 33 per cent year-to-date, compared with the January to May period last year, and this was on top of a record-breaking performance last year, she said. “Where economic ties are, others are sure to follow.” Council president Ramsey Jurdi said the US was increasingly focusing on exports, as traditionally about 90 per cent of US companies had focused on the home market. Last year, US companies exported products worth more than $22.5 billion to the UAE, while in early 2013 UAE exports to the US increased by 40 per cent. Jurdi said council membership, sitting at more than 500, was steadily growing following a slight dip during recession, and it was estimated there were about 900 US businesses operating in the UAE. This was the largest gathering of US citizens during the year. “It’s about tradition … it’s nice when you get that flavour of home here in Dubai.” Karam Noufal, who came to Dubai from Chicago two years ago, said the event was important to ensure his children kept their ‘bond’ with the US. “It’s good to belong to somewhere. “It’s fun for the kids and they can get to know their culture.” Arabian Gas general manager Robinson Leiva attended with his wife Alejandra Sanchez, and their three children, two of whom are studying in the US. Leiva said it was a big deal for the family, who came to Dubai two years ago from Florida, but were originally from Chile, “because we are (US) citizens by choice.” “It’s about family time really. Our kids are visiting and we don’t see them that often.” Kevin Crosby, from Missouri, said the principles behind the celebration were still relevant. “Lots of folks in this part of the world are looking for something different, the same idea our founding fathers had in mind. They’re definitely trying to find their own voice.” The dinner, held at the Meydan Hotel, featured entertainment from the Yale Whiffenpoofs, America’s oldest collegiate a cappella group, who were in Dubai as part of a 26-nation tour. sarah@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
Syrian opposition bloc urges world to protect Homs
Syrian opposition bloc urges world to protect Homs (AP) / 5 July 2013 Syria’s main opposition bloc is urging the international community to take action to protect civilians in the cities of Homs and Daraa, targeted by the military. The Syrian National Coalition is appealing to the United Nations and Western countries that have supported the opposition in Syria’s civil war “to intervene immediately” and provide food and medicine to the besieged, rebel-held areas of the central city of Homs and Daraa in the south, where the uprising against President Bashar Assad began. Assad’s forces have been bombarding Homs for five straight days, the SNC said in a statement Friday. It said clashes between rebels and troops flared up again in the morning, and shelling of Daraa resumed. The appeal comes as opposition figures are meeting in Turkey to elect a new leadership. Continue reading
