Under the Ministry of Health and Prevention’s (MoHAP) recently launched two online services, UAE residents can now import of personal medicines and medical equipment into the country.
The ministry is urging customers to take advantage of the optional services, which require obtaining an e-permit before importing any medical supplies.
Customers can access the services via the MoHAP website or smart app under the service category.
They are required to fill in the necessary data, attach the required documents, and submit their application electronically.
The ministry has set certain terms of service that customers must meet to be eligible for the services.
Individuals coming into the country can bring a quantity of personal medicines that is necessary for their use during their stay, as long as it does not exceed six months.
However, if they need to bring narcotics or controlled drugs, they are only allowed to bring enough for a maximum of three months and must provide all necessary documentation.
The import of medical equipment is available to healthcare institutions and local agents holding a valid medical warehouse license issued by the MOHAP.
To be eligible, the local agent must fulfill the requirements and conditions set forth by the ministry.
The imported medical equipment includes a wide range of items such as medical and surgical devices, spare parts, supplies, and equipment used in dentistry, surgical aesthetic medicine, the dental industry, prosthetic parts, equipment used in medical and diagnostic laboratories and their reagents, as well as those used in the manufacture and installation of prosthetics or supporting or prosthetic devices for people with disabilities.
The service also includes the importation of contact lenses.
To benefit from the two services, customers must visit the ministry’s website or smart application and submit an initial import request before commencing the shipment process from the country of origin. Customers are then required to pay the application fees at this stage.
If the initial request meets the requirements and conditions, it will be approved with a validity of sixty days.
During this period, customers must complete the necessary shipping procedures. Once they obtain the bill of lading and pay the required fees, they can submit a request for permission to clear the shipment.
If customers meet all the necessary requirements and conditions, the approval will be granted electronically.
The permission can then be printed from the electronic system and is valid for sixty days from the date of issuance.
However, the permission is subject to the approval of the ministry’s inspectors for customs clearance upon arrival at the country’s ports and before the marketing of medical equipment locally.
Dr. Ruqaya Al Bastaki, Head of the Drug Department at MOHAP, said that authorising the import of personal medicines and medical equipment is a crucial step in enhancing the standard of healthcare services in the country.
Al Bastaki added that the initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to assuming a regulatory and supervisory role in the health sector while prioritising the well-being and safety of community members.
By offering top-notch electronic services, MOHAP seeks to elevate the overall quality of life for its customers according to international best practices.
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