UAE’s MoHAP launches Medical Products Directory on WhatsApp

The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched a new 24/7 WhatsApp service featuring a registered medical products directory, making essential healthcare information readily available around the clock from credible sources.

Unveiled during GITEX Global 2023, the new service comes as part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to bolster public health awareness, empower individuals with precise information regarding suitable medications, promote adherence to treatment plans, and minimize medication errors.

It also comes in line with MoHAP's endeavors to promote its stature as a leading digital health government entity and a pioneer in the constant development of customer-centric services.

How does it work?

Through the directory, the Ministry seeks to provide a comprehensive list of medicines and medical products that have been officially registered through the Ministry's website. With this service, users can easily inquire about medicines registered in the UAE and obtain detailed information about each drug — including its name, active ingredients, pharmaceutical form, package size available in the country, and selling price.

By enhancing transparency and confidence in pharmaceutical products, it helps patients make informed health decisions as per their needs and doctors' directives. Both patients and healthcare providers can thereby access market-approved medical products to fulfill their requirements.

The new initiative reflects the Ministry's keenness to enhance healthcare quality and foster health awareness within the community. Available via WhatsApp, the service is unique for being easily accessible and user-friendly for everyone.

Individuals can subscribe to the service, accessible 24/7, by adding the number 0097142301221 to their contact list on the "WhatsApp" application and sending welcoming words in English like "Hi" to engage directly with the service and view the available options.

On the record

"By utilizing WhatsApp, one of the most pivotal and widely used applications across all societal segments, the service extends its reach to a vast number of customers. This initiative not only makes essential medicine information more accessible than ever but also reflects our continual commitment to bolstering the health and well-being of our community," HE Ahmed Ali Al Dashti, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector, stated.

"The medical products directory also facilitates easier access for medical professionals and pharmacists to view registered and licensed medicines, searchable by trade or scientific name. The newly developed interactive platform, available in English, offers a distinctive experience aligned with international best practices," he added.

The context

The newly introduced service is part of a suite of projects and initiatives launched by the Ministry to ensure comprehensive, innovative, and proactive health services based on digital data for all societal segments and to furnish institutional services within an efficient, effective digital framework.

The Ministry already offers a series of services via WhatsApp — including applying for birth certificates, tracking their application status, and attesting to both vacation and sick leave requests issued by licensed health facilities within the country.