UAE Residents Allowed Now To Import Personal Medicines With e-permits

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) in Dubai is encouraging people to use two online services that allow them to bring in medicines for personal use and medical equipment by obtaining an e-permit.

These services are not required but are available to both residents and visitors who want to bring their own medications and medical devices into the country.

They can either obtain prior approval through the online system or declare their items upon arrival at the ports. If they choose the latter option, customs officials will collaborate with the ministry to take appropriate action based on the available documents.

The MoHAP website or smart app provides customers with access to two services for importing personal medicines under the service category.

If they meet the applicable criteria, they will be required to provide the necessary details, attach relevant documents, and submit their application online.

Import service for medical equipment is available to local agents as well as healthcare institutions

Visitors to the country can bring in a number of medicines that are essential for their personal use during their stay for a period of up to six months, according to the ministry’s terms of service.

If they need to bring in narcotics or controlled drugs, they are only allowed to carry the required amount for a maximum of three months and must provide all necessary documentation.

The import service for medical equipment is not limited to healthcare institutions but is also available to local agents who hold a valid MOHAP medical warehouse license and meet the ministry’s requirements and conditions.

Medical and surgical devices and their spare parts, medical and surgical supplies, materials, equipment, and spare parts for dentistry, surgical aesthetics, dental industry, prosthetic parts, equipment used in medical and diagnostic labs along with their reagents, and those used in the manufacturing and installation of prosthetics or supportive devices for people with disabilities are all examples of imported medical equipment. The package additionally includes contact lenses.

To import medical equipment, customers must follow certain steps and meet the necessary requirements and conditions. First, they should visit the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) website or smart application and submit an initial import request before starting the shipment process from the country of origin.

At this stage, customers are required to pay the application fees. If the initial request satisfies the requirements and conditions, it will be approved with a sixty-day validity period. Customers must complete the necessary shipping procedures during this time, such as obtaining the bill of lading and paying the applicable fees.

After all of these procedures have been completed, customers can request permission to clear the shipment.

Customers will receive electronic approval, which can be printed from the system, after meeting all of the necessary requirements and conditions.

The authorization will be valid for sixty days from the date of issuance. It is important to note, however, that this permission is subject to the approval of the ministry’s inspectors for customs clearance upon arrival at the country’s ports and prior to the marketing of medical equipment locally.

The approval process includes an inspection of imported medical equipment by inspectors from the ministry, who ensure that it meets all of the necessary requirements and conditions. If the equipment does not meet the standards, clearance of the shipment will be denied, and the equipment will be returned to the country of origin.

It’s also worth mentioning that certain types of medical equipment may necessitate additional permits from other government agencies. For example, the importation of radiation-emitting medical equipment may necessitate a permit from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).

According to Dr. Ruqaya Al Bastaki, Head of the Drug Department at MOHAP, the ministry’s decision to allow the import of personal medicines and medical equipment is a significant step towards improving the country’s healthcare services.

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This initiative demonstrates MOHAP’s commitment to assuming a regulatory and supervisory role in the healthcare sector, with a focus on community members’ well-being and safety. It also aims to prevent the distribution of counterfeit medications and unlicensed equipment, thereby protecting patients from harm.

MOHAP aims to improve the overall quality of life for its customers by providing advanced electronic services that adhere to international best practices.

MOHAP assists healthcare institutions in providing patients with better access to essential medical equipment, which can improve the quality of treatment and care by facilitating the import process of medical equipment and personal medications. Furthermore, it allows individuals to import their personal medicines while ensuring that the products meet the necessary standards and regulations, resulting in better health outcomes.

In conclusion, MOHAP’s services aim to improve healthcare standards and promote community well-being, while also taking significant steps to ensure the safety and quality of medical products in the country.