UAE, May 22, 2017- The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) recently signed an agreement with Pfizer for a strategic inventory of medicines at the Ministry. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohammad Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of MOHAP. The agreement were signed by Dr.Abdul Karim Al Zarouni, Director of the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center represented the ministry, Pfizer was represented by Tarek Youssef, Regional President in Africa and the Middle East.

Dr. Al-Olama said that Pfizer has been MOHAP’s strategic partner for 40 years and has always been a pioneer in providing initiatives to enhance the partnership. He noted the support of the UAE Government’s wise leadership in building modern healthcare infrastructure as well as in creating a positive investment and legislative environment for international medical companies such as Pfizer, making the UAE as regional hub for innovative and high-quality pharmaceutical products and elevating the country’s global competitiveness.

The Undersecretary added that MOHAP’s strategic objective is to enhance the health of the individual and society in the UAE by providing comprehensive and distinctive services in a sustainable health environment in accordance with effective policies, legislation, programs, and local and international partnerships. The agreement, based on Article 4 of Cabinet Resolution No. (39) for 2015, aims to provide and manage a strategic medical stock as part of the Ministry’s medical preparedness in order to promptly respond to medical and health needs. The agreement also included the approval of procedures for the provision of medicines in emergency situations in order to provide the best services to patients and hospitals.

Dr. Abdul-Karim Al-Zarouni explained that the aim of the agreement is to provide sufficient medical stock that can cover for health needs for a maximum period of 6 months in case of emergencies, in addition of the strategic inventories of the ministry and the health authorities in the UAE, in coordination with the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management and other health authorities. The company shall keep the medical stock or supply it to the warehouses of the Ministry, following the agreement and in accordance with the rules and standards to ensure its safety and use when needed. A joint working committee will be formed to follow up the coordination between the parties to implement this agreement in the best possible manner.

Tarek Youssef, Regional President, Pfizer Africa & Middle East, commented, 'Pfizer is committed to working with the UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention to ensure that patients in the United Arab Emirates are able to access medicines in times of need. Pfizer was one of the first biopharmaceutical companies to help address strategic stock challenges in the country by investing in a hub that now serves as a point of distribution for the region. Access to innovative medicines is an essential part in achieving the Government's Healthcare Vision 2021 and Pfizer believes that this initiative will have a significant impact.”