Under a new initiative by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, residents in the UAE capital can now get their medicine delivered to their homes.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the DoH confirmed that “most of the outpatient pharmacies in the emirates have the approval to offer this service.”
The service was originally launched to serve the demand of patients and for their convenience, especially for the elderly, vulnerable patients and those who live in remote areas.
However, the launch has in fact been very timely in assisting the health sector to support the government’s strategy to ensure social distancing and encouraging residents across the UAE to stay at home.
The permitted drugs for home delivery are: Over the Counter, OTC (sold directly to a consumer without a prescription); Pharmacist Only, PhOM (sold without a prescription but its safe use requires professional advice) and Prescription Only Medications, POM (that legally requires a medical prescription to be dispensed).
Complex medication regimens (for patients with multiple chronic conditions) prescribed for the first time, should not be delivered, however, refills are permissible, the DoH – Abu Dhabi explained.
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