Doctors Disciplined in Abu Dhabi for Ignoring Guidelines on Prescription Medicines
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), violations related to controlled medications can lead to severe consequences. The Department of Health-Abu Dhabi has recently suspended six doctors from practising the medical profession in the emirate due to such violations.
The UAE government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards the recreational use of drugs, and this extends to the handling of controlled medications. Infractions in prescribing controlled medications can result in imprisonment, heavy fines, deportation, and criminal charges.
Controlled drugs in the UAE are substances that the government regulates due to their potential for abuse and dependence. These include narcotics such as morphine, codeine, and fentanyl, as well as psychotropic substances like benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are also classified as controlled substances.
The regulations surrounding controlled medications are strict. All controlled medication imports must be accompanied by a valid medical letter from an authorized physician. Customs officials have the authority to inspect, allow, or ban medications at UAE ports, and medications listed as prohibited cannot be brought into the country even if they are prescribed abroad.
For UAE residents, tourists, and transit passengers, prior approval through the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) website is mandatory for controlled medications and semi-controlled substances. Non-controlled and over-the-counter medications do not require pre-approval.
The penalties for violating these regulations are stringent. Violators may face imprisonment, heavy fines (potentially very large), deportation from the UAE, and criminal charges for possession, usage, or importation without authorization. Confiscation of prohibited drugs at customs is also a common outcome.
These strict measures reflect the UAE’s commitment to controlling drug-related offenses. It is essential for anyone travelling to or residing in the UAE to be aware of these regulations to avoid any potential legal issues.
[1] Federal Decree Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mohap.gov.ae/wps/wcm/connect/mohap_en/mohap_en/about_us/laws_regulations/combating_narcotics_and_psychotropic_substances
[2] Controlled Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mohap.gov.ae/wps/wcm/connect/mohap_en/mohap_en/about_us/laws_regulations/controlled_drugs_and_psychotropic_substances
In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's crucial for residents, tourists, and transit passengers in the UAE to be aware of strict regulations concerning controlled medications, as violations can lead to severe consequences such as imprisonment, heavy fines, deportation, and criminal charges (refer to Federal Decree Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances). Medical professionals, too, must adhere to these regulations, as six doctors recently learned when they were suspended for violations related to controlled medications (as reported by the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi). It's also important to note that therapies-and-treatments involving CBD, a compound derived from cannabis, may fall under these regulations, and their usage should be approached with caution.
