Pharmacists working in Abu Dhabi will have to notch up 20 hours of Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) each year to renew their license.
The Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HA-AD) has declared CPE hours mandatory for all licensure and re-licensure of pharmacists working in the public and private sector.
A minimum of 10 hours must be accredited by HA-AD, while the remaining hours can be credited by outside agencies.
The ruling, which affects more than 565 pharmacists, is effective from February 2009.
By transferring the enforcement of CPE from employers to the government, HA-AD hopes to keep a tighter rein on pharmacy standards.
“This decision will contribute towards maintaining the skill levels and experience of professionals. It offers opportunities for pharmacists…to expand their knowledge,” said Dr Oliver Harrison, director of public health and policy.
A recent HA-AD survey found Abu Dhabi pharmacists ranked poor CPE opportunities as a chief concern.
Mr Zaid Al Siksek, chief executive officer of HAAD, admitted pharmacists have been neglected under existing educational programmes. “There was a need for a more specialised program to fill the gap,” he said.
The Authority has pledged to establish a CPE website and commit to ongoing workshops said Dr Mohammed Abu El-Khair, a HA-AD advisor.
“CPE is an essential part…for pharmacists, and is not an optional extra.”
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