The forum highlighted the new federal law on medical products, pharmacy practice, and pharmaceutical establishments, which is expected to be implemented by mid 2009. Dubai Health Authority's (DHA) requirements for continuous development of professionals in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries as well as the challenges of combating counterfeit medicines in the UAE were also discussed.
Dr Fares Khairallah, Acting Director of BioTiqania, provided an overview of the different training programmes available in BioTiqania and reiterated its commitment to becoming the leading innovative training provider for professionals in the scientific and industrial sectors.
Dr Khairallah, said:
"We are pleased with the participation of decision makers and key industry players in our pioneering edition of the BioTiqania Business Breakfast. This initiative is in line with our mission to offer a suitable platform where major issues affecting any regulated organisation will be discussed by top industry professionals."
Dr Rudaina Alrefai, Director for Regulatory Affairs at the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), said:
"We would like to congratulate BioTiqania for the successful launch of the BioTiqania Business Breakfast. The participation of key government officials who joined us in our discussion greatly contributed to elevating the profile of the forum. We value their commitment in ensuring the safety of patients by implementing the highest international standards and best practices in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries."
Dr Amin Al Amiri, CEO for Medical Practice and Licensee, UAE Ministry of Health, conducted a presentation on 'A Highlight of the New Federal Law for Medical Products, the Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Establishments'. Scheduled to be implemented in the UAE in mid 2009, the new law was drafted by leading authorities in the country to define the general framework that regulates the relationship among stakeholders while prioritizing the welfare of patients.
Currently, Dr Al Amiri is an expert adviser to the World Health Organization (WHO) in the field of blood transfusion and the Director of Blood Transfusion Services for WHO Eastern Mediterranean region since 2006.
Dr Amer Sharif, Director of Continuing Education Department, Dubai Health Authority (DHA), also participated in the forum as a guest speaker. A member of Dubai Health Authority's Transition Team since 2007, Dr Sharif currently leads a project on workforce development, developing healthcare education and 'continued professional development' within the new system.
Dr Sharif discussed the new framework for 'continued professional development', which aims to create a multi-dimensional approach that will integrate broader skills and professionally develop employees, extending beyond merely updating their medical knowledge. He added the Dubai Health Authority will work towards ensuring the new system sets premium educational standards while monitoring, facilitating and evaluating related activities.
Dr Zeydan Abuissa, General Manager for Gulf States, Pfizer, conducted a presentation on 'The Challenge & Success Story of Fighting Pharmaceutical Counterfeit in the UAE'. He reiterated a patient's right to safe medicines and emphasized the importance of raising professional and public awareness on the dangers of counterfeit, substandard or other illegal medicines.
Launched with an aim to upgrade the skills of the region's professionals in the scientific and industrial sectors, BioTiqania Advanced Training Institute reflects DuBiotech's vision of fostering research and development in the life sciences industry.
BioTiqania's course curricula are designed to help working scientists and engineers attain the technical skills and meliorate their professional experience. Providing year-round certification programmes and continuous education courses in a wide range of scientific disciplines, the institute offers on site, public sites, client sites, and interactive online training programmes.

Posted by Rana Mesbah



