In recent years, the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries having Pharmacist License in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been experiencing exponential growth. Projections indicate that the local pharmaceutical market is poised to reach a staggering valuation of over $4.7 billion by 2025, marking a remarkable three-fold increase since 2011.
Moreover, the market is anticipated to witness an impressive 27 percent growth between 2021 and 2025. Against this backdrop, there has never been a more opportune time to explore the possibility of obtaining a pharmacist license in Dubai.
Without a doubt, opening a pharmacy in Dubai ranks among the most lucrative ventures in the United Arab Emirates. The city boasts state-of-the-art medical infrastructure, cutting-edge healthcare facilities, and a plethora of pharmacies that ensure immediate access to prescribed medications and a diverse range of top-notch healthcare products.
In this blog, we will provide a thorough guide that will bring forth significant insights into the requirements and the step-by-step process for setting up your pharmacy business in this thriving city if you’re considering entering the medical profession, especially with a pharmacy license in Dubai.
How to Obtain a Pharmacist License in Dubai
You have two main options when starting your adventure into Dubai’s pharmaceutical industry: opening a brand-new pharmacy or acquiring an already-existing one. Both routes need two licenses, one from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) for trade licenses, external approval from DHA for license and one from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Let’s examine these alternatives in more detail:
Option 1: Pioneering a New Pharmacy
When starting a new pharmacy, you must:
1. Obtain a “Community/Retail Pharmacy” license, depending on whether your pharmacy will operate independently or as part of a larger complex, such a shopping center.
2. In addition to obtaining a hospital license, hospitals that wish to house an in-house pharmacy must also get a separate “Hospital Pharmacy” license.
3. Applicants for a “Ambulatory Pharmacy” license may be outpatient clinics.
4. “Inpatient Pharmacy” services can be added to the services offered by Class C day surgery facilities without the need for an additional license.
Option 2: Transfer Existing License on your Name
In the event that you decide to buy an existing pharmacy, you will still need to get the necessary permits, such as a pharmacist license from the DHA. Regardless of whether you intend to work in your own pharmacy or another one, passing the Prometric exam is mandatory for obtaining a pharmacist license.
Key Requirements to start a Pharmacy in Dubai
There are various guidelines that must be followed in order to open a pharmacy in Dubai. Key requirements are as follows:
1. Obtain a permit from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in compliance with state and federal regulations. A notable exception to this rule is Dubai Healthcare City.
2. Provide a schematic design layout in AutoCAD format that shows the suggested floor plan, together with the measurements and labels for each room and area.
3. Write an extensive business plan or a proposal letter outlining the pharmacy’s operational plan.
4. Acquire a trade name reservation from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or an equivalent licensing organization.
5. Include copies of the owner’s or partners’ passports that, if relevant, highlight their resident alien status.
The Health Regulation Department (HRD) will review your file when you submit a thorough application together with all necessary paperwork and payments. Upon acceptance, you will be given a one-year license for an inactive facility. In order to get the trade license from the DED or other relevant licensing bodies, this preliminary approval is essential.
The Pharmacist License in Dubai Issuance Process
A pharmacy license is obtained in Dubai in two parts, License Registration and License Issuance, each of which entails four crucial steps:
Phase 1: License Registration
1. Application Submission: Fill up and deliver the license application to the Health Regulation Department (HRD).
2. Application Review: The HRD will carefully examine your application to determine whether it is appropriate for additional processing, granting preliminary approval.
3. Initial Approval Issuance: Obtain this letter before regional authorities, such as the Department of Economic Development (DED), may provide the trade license. This letter is a necessary prerequisite to the pharmacy licensing procedure.
4. Application Rejection (In Case): In the event that your application is rejected, you will be provided with a detailed breakdown of the deficiencies that call for remedial action.
Phase 2: License Issuance
1. Pharmacy Setup: Make sure your pharmacy is configured in accordance with the DHA’s pharmacy design specifications and the services you want to provide.
2. Inspection Request: Submit an online request for an inspection that will be handled by the Drug Control Section.
3. Appointment of Pharmacist: Name an in-charge pharmacist who is lawfully licensed by the DHA or who has a letter of eligibility from the DHA confirming their eligibility.
4. Report Release: A report with suggestions should be available in five business days. Implement these suggestions prior to the upcoming inspection.
For precise guidance and expert guidance throughout this labyrinthine process, feel free to contact our Pharmacy setup experts in Dubai at +971 54 2737405.
Pharmacy License Details
The pharmacist license in Dubai, disseminated by HRD, encapsulates essential details, including the pharmacy’s name and address, the DED license number and its validity, and the identity of the overseeing pharmacist.
Space Requirements to Run a Pharmacy in Dubai
The spatial requisites for inaugurating a pharmacy in Dubai hinge upon the chosen pharmacy category. The minimum space prerequisites for each category are as follows:
1. Community/Retail Pharmacy: 30 m²
2. Hospital Pharmacy: 30 m²
3. Ambulatory Care Pharmacy: 25 m²
4. Inpatient Pharmacy: 15 m²
In addition to these prerequisites, all categories must adhere to a minimum ceiling height of 2.70 meters (8 feet 8 inches).
24-Hour Pharmacy Service Requirements
Pharmacies offering round-the-clock services must adhere to specific licensing requirements, encompassing:
1. Employment of a full-time pharmacist and up to three part-time pharmacists, all wielding DHA licenses.
2. Display of conspicuous signage, unambiguously signifying the facility’s 24/7 operation.
Pharmacies with Walk-in Clinic Services
Pharmacies intending to offer walk-in clinic services must:
1. Submit an application for a new facility license, categorizing the establishment as an outpatient clinic.
2. Ensure the clinic setup aligns with DHA’s prerequisites, encompassing examination beds, a doctor’s office, sterilizing equipment, medical waste disposal, and more.
3. Prominently display a sign denoting the availability of a “Walk-in Clinic.”
4. Synchronize the operational hours of the pharmacy and clinic.
How to Renew Your Pharmacy License
Pharmacist license in Dubai wield a one-year validity and necessitate renewal in alignment with DHA’s criteria. To facilitate license renewal, adhere to these steps:
1. Initiate an online application, encompassing an accreditation certificate copy (if applicable) and a valid trade copy, through SHERYAN to HRS at least three months prior to the expiry date.
2. Execute the renewal fee payment.
3. Upon approval, your DHA pharmacy license will be renewed for an additional year, calculated from the expiry date.
How to Cancel Your Pharmacy License
The process for canceling a pharmacist license in Dubai mirrors the renewal process. To annul your pharmacy license, submit an application to HRS via SHERYAN. The applicant, intending to cancel their pharmacy license, must align with DHA guidelines and follow these steps:
1. Access the SHERYAN portal and complete and submit an online application to HRS, attached with requisite documents, including an Undertaking Letter if requested.
2. Settle the cancellation fees, clear any outstanding professional and facility fines (if applicable), withdraw open appeals, and cancel all professional licenses (except the medical director’s).
3. Allow time for DHA to evaluate the request.
4. Upon approval, your pharmacy license will be canceled.
Who Can Assist You in Establishing a Pharmacy in Dubai?
Selecting the right business advisor to navigate the intricacies of setting up a pharmacy in Dubai can be challenging. However, HA Group, with over two decades of industry experience, stands as a beacon of expertise in the field.
Our team of seasoned professionals has successfully facilitated numerous medical clinic and healthcare business setups in Dubai and across the UAE. We are committed to helping you achieve your vision of establishing a pharmacy in Dubai.
Disclaimer: Please note that this information provides guidelines and general advice. For specific details and expert assistance, consult with our professionals.
For the latest updates and insights on business setup, legal requirements, and more in Dubai and the UAE, visit www.cdn.hagroup.ae/blog
