DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has introduced new regulations aimed at preventing monopolistic practices in the pharmaceutical sector, a move health experts say could help lower medicine prices and address recurring drug shortages.
Under the revised system, pharmaceutical companies will now be required to appoint more than one authorised agent in the UAE for each registered medical product. The measure is designed to boost competition in distribution, strengthen supply chains and ensure consistent availability of essential medicines.
Health experts believe the change could have a direct impact on prices. They say when a single distributor controls the supply of a particular medicine, it can influence pricing with limited competitive pressure in the market.
By allowing multiple authorised agents to handle the same product, competition among distributors is expected to increase, which may gradually bring down costs for patients across the country.
Doctors also point out that reliance on a single supplier has previously led to shortages when production delays or global disruptions occurred. In recent years, patients in the UAE faced difficulties obtaining certain diabetes, weight-loss and mental health medications due to surging demand and supply chain constraints.
With more than one authorised distributor in place, any logistical failure by one company would be less likely to interrupt patient treatment. Experts say greater competition could also improve service standards in storage, handling and transportation of pharmaceutical products.
Authorities believe the new framework will enhance market stability while protecting patient access to essential medicines.
