50 YEARS OF
HEALTH & PREVENTION KHALEEJ TIMES | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
MOHAP: MOVING CLOSER TO PEOPLE, DIGITALLY
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s the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) completes 50 years in 2020, the ministry has aligned its vision in line of UAE Vision 2021 to make the UAE one of the most innovative counties in the world. In sync with the UAE leadership’s faith that innovation is the capital of the future. UAE’s vision 2021 emphasises this approach in various fields and sectors, where the innovations, research, science and technology are the cornerstones of a competitive, high-productivity economy. Keeping up with the concept of technology, MoHAP this year launched a national awareness platform, including Covid-19 Information Centre, under the theme ‘Your Health Our Priority’. As a health database, the platform is featuring all the recommendations, precautions, and guidelines of the World Health Organisation, WHO, as well as the UAE’s health authorities to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to limit the spread of unreliable and false information. The UAE Government also plans to complete more than two million Covid-19 tests during the next two months to continue to curb the spread of the virus. The ministry will complete these tests to ensure the testing of a large segment of society including those working in public-facing roles, including public transport drivers, taxi drivers, hospitality workers and retail workers as well as government agency employees.
PHARMAX
Affordable high-quality medicines The Dubai-based brand’s focus is on saving lives
Madhukar Tanna Chief Executive Officer Pharmax
As the first UAE-based pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Dubai Science Park, Pharmax is supporting the UAE healthcare sector with high-quality, affordable medicines. Its focus is commercialising branded generic medication for chronic medical conditions across a broad range of therapeutic segments. In the last nine months, Pharmax has successfully launched fifteen new products with more in the pipeline. These include pharmaceuti-
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cals for pain and inflammation; urological, psychiatric and neurological disorders; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; allergies and asthma; and gastroenterology. And it will soon be introducing specialised products for women’s health. With pharmaceutical sales in the UAE set to reach US$3.8 billion by 2021, the brand is a growing business ready to meet the region’s dynamic requirements. Which is why they are currently looking at expansion to Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq and several other MENA markets. Madhukar Tanna, CEO at Pharmax said: “At Pharmax, quality is a corporate culture built into every level of our organisation. We take our responsibility seriously and apply the same standards to our partner companies as to our own employees. We invest significant time and resources in training, to ensure that the highest quality is maintained right across our value chain. Our ultimate goal is to deliver products that will improve the lives of patients.
As we look to the future our mission at Pharmax will continue to be to support MoHAP, by producing affordable products at the highest quality standards, to help match the region’s rising demands.” — Madhukar Tanna CEO Pharmax “Our production capacity has been mapped to cater to the demands of our own branded products and provide additional contract manufacturing services. Aurobindo Labs and Cipla from India, and MS Pharma from Jordan, are our current partners and more will be added soon.” Today, Pharmax is able to produce over 300 million tablets and capsules in its Dubai facility, backed by the latest Quality Management Systems certification, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 software. In 2019, the company also received European Union Good Manufacturing Practice certification, which opens many opportunities in new markets, not only in the region but also in the EU. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) also recently approved Pharmax as the UAE’s first laboratory for batch release of respiratory products, such as inhalers and nasal sprays. This will add significant value to its existing product portfolio. Pharmax has also invested in the capability to release injectable formulations, to meet the demands for these types of medicine in the UAE. With the current Covid-19 health situation the demand for generic medicine is likely to increase significantly and turning to local production will be key to fulfilling demand. “As MoHAP celebrates 50 years, it has created one of the best healthcare standards in the region. The advent of universal health insurance has created significant change when it comes to accessing affordable, high-quality products. Private and public hospitals and community healthcare providers now depend on our products to ensure their patients receive their treatments on time, and to maintain their overall cost structure. As we look to the future our mission at Pharmax will continue to be to support MoHAP, by producing affordable products at the highest quality standards, to help match the region’s rising demands,” Tanna stated.
BINSINA
More than just a healthcare retailer 800-BinSina extends professional advice to those in need of care and assurance ■■
Farhana Chowdhury
BinSina Pharmacy, the UAE’s oldest and most trusted destination for medical and health supplies, is on the frontlines to address residents’ queries and concerns in a socially-distanced world. The healthcare retailer diversified its presence through multiple platforms, namely its hotline 800-BinSina and an e-commerce website, granting customers instant access to a strong support system. “With the support of MoHAP, 800-BinSina is an independent call centre run by pharmacists. It enables us to truly support customers and patients during their most vulnerable times,” Shaun Davies, general manager, BinSina Pharmacy and Wellness. The hotline connects patients to well-trained professionals for dosage instructions and requested delivery. One can also reach out to BinSina pharmacists if they simply want to talk to someone about health concerns. The agents, who are armed with soft skills to provide best-in-class customer service, are well-versed in empathy and care, complemented by speed of response and appropriate tone of speaking. “We want them to know that we care and are always available. I believe that making sure that people feel healthy on the inside and beautiful on the outside is the key to strong mental health and wellbeing,” said Davies. Quality assurance is crucial, which is why the team behind 800-BinSina, has set a tracking system that ensures continuous improvements throughout its customer services.
Shaun Davies General Manager, BinSina Pharmacy and Wellness Guidance in times of need BinSina Pharmacy, whose growth and operations are in tandem with the UAE’s progressive healthcare vision, applauds the efforts of
Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and their timely response to Covid-19. “MOHAP, alongside other government bodies and frontline heroes, has done a great job in keeping us safe, and to bring the UAE back to, what may be, the new norm. They have contained the virus and made the right decisions in the last four months. They have given us great guidance in response to the need of the hour,” said Davies. To date, BinSina Pharmacy shares a long working relationship with MoHAP, and is the only pharmacy in the UAE that has acquired official ministry approval for its ecommerce website, which provides home delivery. “This assures our customers and patients access to the best quality products and services anytime,” said Davies.
RESUABLE FACE MASKS: FUNCTIONAL DESIGN FOR COMFORT WEAR BinSina is currently in the process of creating a range of reusable face masks. The eco-friendly cover comes in response to the latest global trends triggered by the virus. “Masks have now become part of our culture and will remain here (in the UAE) for a long time to come. Wearing one on a day-to-day basis is not unusual; it is a well-known practice in a number of countries, namely Japan and China, where they are worn as a preventive measure. Our masks are being designed to be easy to use, breathable, and durable so it can be washed time and time again. In addition to protection, it should also look good,” said Davies. To help residents transition into the new norm at ease, BinSina Pharmacy took a number of factors into consideration, with strong focus on wearable comfort. The masks will feature two fitting positions – the traditional over-the-ear style and a band that goes around the back of the head.