On August 30, 2023, HE Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, introduced Ministerial Resolution No. 266/2023 to regulate the sale, display, storage, and circulation of medical products that can be dispensed without a prescription in non-pharmaceutical.

Scope of Regulation
This resolution outlines guidelines for selling, displaying, and storing medical products that have received marketing approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and are classified as non-prescription medical products in non-pharmaceutical facilities. In its second article, the resolution states the types of establishments subject to these regulations, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, nutrition stores, outlets at petroleum stations, and any other entity listed in the resolution by the Minister.

Control Measures
The Resolution imposes specific controls on these establishments, which include prohibiting the sale, display, or storage of medical products that require a prescription to dispense, or those not included in the resolution’s list.

List of Regulated Medical Products
This list categorizes medical productions into various groups:

1. a) Antimicrobial Products
   Examples: Tincture iodine, Gentian Violet, Rectified Spirit, and similar products.
   b) Antiparasitic Products:
   Examples: Anti-lice preparations

2. External Skin Protectants:
   Examples: Calamine lotion

3. Topical Analgesics (Topical First-Aid Products):
   Examples: Adhesive plasters, simple topical analgesics in the form of spray, cream, ointment, and plaster.

4. Dental (Preparations for Tooth and Gums):
   Examples: Medicated dental toothpastes.

5. Internal Analgesics (Ministry of Health and Prevention evaluation is mandatory)
   Examples: Paracetamol tablets and aspirin tablets

6. Miscellaneous Internal Products (Simple G.I. TRACT)
   Examples: Simple Effervescent salts (ORS) and various oils (Paraffin, Almond, Castor)

7. Ear, Nose, Throat (E.N.T) Products
   Examples: Simple Mouthwash and similar products

9. Medical Devices
   Examples: Thermometers and their accessories, blood pressure monitors and their accessories, nebulizers and their accessories, blood glucose meters and their accessories.
10. Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
    Examples: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), infant and baby milk products.

Enforcement and Monitoring
To ensure compliance with these regulations, the resolution grants local authorities, the municipality in each emirate, the power to inspect and monitor those establishments.

This Resolution is set to become effective six months after its issuance, starting from 28 February 2023.

Hassan Tawakalna would like to thank Rehab Demardash for her assistance with this insight.

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