Residents in Abu Dhabi to have medicines delivered at home

Residents of Abu Dhabi will receive medicines delivered to their homes in an initiative announced by the capital’s healthcare regulator.

Most of the outpatient pharmacies in Abu Dhabi have the requisite approval to offer this service, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) told official news agency WAM.

All the DoH-licensed pharmacies under the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and private sectors, which comply with the directives of the health department for home deliveries, have been authorised for this purpose. Patients can now contact pharmacies directly to order medicines.

The service was originally launched to serve patients, especially the elderly, vulnerable and those living in remote areas. However, the timing of the launch of the service enables the healthcare sector to support the government’s initiatives in its fight against the virus.

“Pharmacies are allowed to take a charge, but it is the discretion of each pharmacy whether they intend to charge for the service,”  the DoH said.

The permitted drugs for home delivery include: 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 require a medical prescription to be dispensed).

For those who wish to get home delivery of controlled and semi-controlled medicines, special authorisation is required from the health department to ensure all legal and regulatory requirements are met.

However, the delivery of complex medication regimens (for patients with multiple chronic conditions) prescribed for the first time, is prohibited while refills are permissible, the DoH – Abu Dhabi said.

The pharmacies have to follow drug storage guidelines to ensure that medicines delivered to patients are packaged and sealed properly. Pharmacists must transport refrigerated medicines in a temperature-controlled container, as per product specifications.

The pharmacies also have to maintain the confidentiality of patients’ information during the delivery process.

It is mandatory for patients to provide the pharmacy with an original medical prescription, in a digital or hard copy format, as well as verification documents of the patient or the recipient of the medicine.

Pharmacists are instructed to prepare the delivery order only if the original or electronic prescription is presented in the pharmacy prior to delivery. The Emirates ID must also be presented in order to receive the delivery of medication.

“We invite pharmacies that wish to provide the home delivery service to seek licensing by contacting our Health Facilities Licensing Department via e-mail: [email protected],” the DoH – Abu Dhabi added.

DHA’s Dawa’ee service
Meanwhile, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has expanded its “Dawa’ee” medicine home delivery service across the country.

The ‘Dawa’ee’ service aims to deliver medication to the homes of elders and people of determination who have a valid ENAYA or SAADA health insurance programme, Dubai Media Office reported.

The DHA launched this service last December, offering a comprehensive medicine home delivery service which includes a specialised pharmacist visiting people’s homes to provide counseling and medication-related advice.

Food delivery platform Talabat supported in expanding the service across the UAE by offering free delivery of medicines.

“We would like to thank the DHA for giving us the opportunity to utilise our logistic delivery web to expand its medicine home delivery,” said Muhammed Yildirim, Talabat country managing director – UAE.

“This has allowed us to perform our social responsibility role in delivering important medication to those with chronic diseases and elders who are at high risk and should avoid leaving their homes. At Talabat, our priority without a doubt is ensuring the safety and health of all those living in the UAE and the region and we are happy to partner with local government authorities to do everything we can to ensure the continuity of this work.”