DHA Pharmacist UAE Drug Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which UAE federal law governs the control of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances?
- Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 on Counterfeit and Psychotropic Drugs (and its amendments) (Correct answer)
- Federal Law No. 7 of 1975 on healthcare professions only
- Dubai Law No. 13 of 2008
- MOHAP Circular 2019/3
Correct answer: Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 on Counterfeit and Psychotropic Drugs (and its amendments)
Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 and its amendments form the primary UAE legal framework regulating controlled substances, including narcotic and psychotropic drug handling, dispensing, and penalties.
Question 2: What must a pharmacist verify before dispensing a controlled substance in the UAE?
- A valid prescription from a licensed physician with correct patient details, drug, dose, and prescriber DEA/license number (Correct answer)
- Any written note from the patient
- A verbal request from a nurse
- An SMS from the prescribing doctor
Correct answer: A valid prescription from a licensed physician with correct patient details, drug, dose, and prescriber DEA/license number
UAE regulations require controlled substance dispensing to be based only on a valid, complete prescription from a licensed prescriber that includes all required details to prevent misuse.
Question 3: How long must controlled substance registers (narcotic drug records) be retained in UAE pharmacies?
- A minimum of 5 years (Correct answer)
- 6 months
- 1 year only
- Indefinitely without destruction
Correct answer: A minimum of 5 years
UAE MOHAP regulations require pharmacies to retain narcotic and controlled drug records for a minimum of five years to allow regulatory inspection and audit trail verification.
Question 4: Which UAE authority is responsible for approving the registration of new pharmaceutical products before they can be sold?
- MOHAP Drug Registration Department (Correct answer)
- Dubai DHA only
- Abu Dhabi DOH only
- Emirates Chamber of Commerce
Correct answer: MOHAP Drug Registration Department
MOHAP's Drug Registration Department at the federal level is responsible for evaluating and approving pharmaceutical products for marketing in the UAE.
Question 5: A patient travelling internationally wants to carry a controlled medication through Dubai airport. What document is required?
- A MOHAP certificate/approval for carrying controlled drugs across UAE borders (Correct answer)
- Only a doctor's letter
- Only the original prescription from their home country
- No documentation needed for personal use
Correct answer: A MOHAP certificate/approval for carrying controlled drugs across UAE borders
MOHAP issues official certificates authorising travellers to carry controlled substances through UAE airports and across borders, preventing legal complications under UAE drug law.
Question 6: What is the UAE's stance on dispensing prescription medications without a valid prescription (over-the-counter sale of prescription drugs)?
- It is illegal and subject to regulatory action and fines against the pharmacy and pharmacist (Correct answer)
- It is permitted if the patient has taken the drug before
- It is allowed for chronic disease medications
- It is at the pharmacist's individual discretion
Correct answer: It is illegal and subject to regulatory action and fines against the pharmacy and pharmacist
UAE regulations strictly prohibit dispensing prescription medicines without a valid prescription; pharmacists and pharmacy facilities face fines and license suspension for violations.
DHA Pharmacist UAE Drug Regulations 1
Which UAE federal law governs the control of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances?