The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has announced the formation of a strategic task force comprising 16 partners across the UAE’s pharmaceutical and logistics ecosystem.
The task force includes drug manufacturers, medical warehouses, storage facilities, and logistics providers, aiming to enhance the resilience of the country’s pharmaceutical supply system and ensure the uninterrupted availability of medicines and medical products.
The initiative will improve coordination among relevant authorities and stakeholders, enabling proactive planning, risk management, and efficient decision-making from production and storage to distribution in the local market.
During the first meeting, chaired by EDE, task force members reviewed current stock levels and confirmed that the UAE maintains sufficient supplies of medicines and medical products to meet domestic demand.
Representatives also exchanged operational and technical insights to improve inventory management and strengthen planning for potential disruptions.
The task force will develop mechanisms to share operational data, enhance coordination among participating entities, and ensure rapid response in the event of supply chain disruptions.
Dr. Mariam Al Mazrouei, adviser to the Director General of EDE and head of the task force, added that the team will focus on improving communication and coordination channels among relevant entities, facilitating the movement of medicines through ports of entry,and ensuring smooth logistics operations across the UAE.
EDE confirmed that regulatory support will accompany the task force’s measures, including extending the validity of import permits by two months and deploying inspection teams at truck entry points to accelerate customs clearance.
Shipment clearance may also be conducted at company warehouses where necessary to enhance efficiency while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.
Source: gccbusinessnews