UAE patients benefit from 'Good Clinical Practice', says Pfizer

The UAE Ministry of Health CEO for Medical Practice and License, Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, who opened the proceedings at the workshop, told doctors of the need to keep abreast of new treatment protocols with a particular focus on evidence-based medicines.

Attendees were briefed on clinical trial design and planning, quality and safety, and their collective role in advancing evidence-based medicine.

The drug development process is a complex one, involving on average more than USD one billion and ten years to develop just one drug. The drug discovery process is not only expensive and time-consuming, it is guided throughout by a focus on safety and efficacy, doctors were told.

"There is enormous value in evidence-based medicine, and UAE doctors appreciate this fact," said Yasser El Dershaby, MD.MSc.NC, Pfizer's Medical Director-Gulf States. "By conducting 'good clinical practice' workshops, in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Health, Pfizer is further demonstrating its commitment to the health and safety of UAE residents."

The 'Good Clinical Practice' workshop was sponsored by pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, and accredited by Harvard Medical School Dubai Centre.

Pfizer has an ongoing commitment to the Middle East. The company employs over 1000 people within the Middle East region, which includes a regional office in Dubai. In the UAE, the company supports several health educational programs including the International Cardiovascular Conference in coordination with Partners International and Harvard Medical School, as well as working with the Ministry of Health on campaigns for smoking cessation, disease awareness and public welfare.