UAE Vision 2021 perseveres to provide world-class healthcare system to fulfill citizens’ growing needs and expectations built on infrastructure, expertise and quality services.Though health care is provided free to all citizens of the UAE, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has partnered with two pharmaceutical firms: AstraZeneca and Bayer to supply free medication to critically ill patients for one year in line with the UAE Vision 2021. According to Dr Amin Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing Sector at the ministry, the agreement is in line with the Year of Zayed initiatives.
The initiative of the ministry follows through its dedication to establish a health system based on the highest international standards according to Al Amiri. This program will let patients avail certain AstraZeneca and Bayer medications as prescribed by health providers. The number of packages the patients will receive will depend on their financial capabilities and willingness to comply with the treatment procedure as directed by the physician.
Critical Diseases Involved with Free Medication to Critically Ill Patients
- Breast, ovarian and lung cancer
- Impaired vision
- Macular degeneration
- Liver cell carcinoma
- Differential thyroid cancer
- Benefits to Patients
- Advanced kidney cancer
Da’am (Support Initiative)
MoU has played a major role in launching patient support programs to alleviate suffering, especially among the low income segment groups. The Da’am programme includes those who have been diagnosed with adult macular degeneration, impaired vision owing to vasoconstriction of the eye, diabetes and vascular dilation and diseases like thyroid, cancers, liver and kidney diseases.
Re’aya (Care Initiative)
The important initiative will be implemented by AstraZeneca in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Prevention. It will contribute to help the Ministry building a high-quality health system as per global standards. Dr Al Amiri further pointed out that the agreement with pharmaceutical firms: AstraZeneca and Bayer will not only provide uninterrupted access to medications despite financial constraints of the patient but will also ensure that the best treatment is applied by physicians according to each patient’s needs and medical condition.
The agreement complements the government’s commitment to the Year of Zayed and come within the framework of social responsibility in improving the quality of healthcare system. The role of AstraZeneca and Bayer will undoubtedly enhance coordination with charities and NGOs as strategic partners to organise and implement this programme.
Free Medication for 90 Cancer Patients and 120 Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
The Ministry of Health and Prevention has also signed two agreements with Pfizer Gulf, Pharmaceutical Company to provide free medications to 90 patients with lung, breast, kidney and other cancers treated with Pfizer medications. The initiatives also include free medication to critically ill patients with rheumatoid arthritis for 1 year. Only 120 patients,who qualify for the initiative can avail the facilities.
Benefits of the Initiatives – Free Medication to Critically Ill Patients
- They ensure appropriate treatment for patients through sustainable solutions and continuity of access of patients to medicines.
- They support financially challenged patients who lack prescription coverage for their treatments.
- They benefit patients with partial insurance coverage or none at all.
- They will bring coordination with charities and NGOs as strategic partners to organise and implement these programmes.
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