UAE imposes stricter penalties on prescription-drug violations

The UAE has amended the law on the medical use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, imposing fines of up to AED 50,000 and five-year jail terms for violators.

Physicians and pharmacies that issue or dispense these drugs without licences, medical justification, or in violation of approved limits will face stricter penalties. 

Both offences will incur imprisonment of not less than five years and a fine of not less than AED50,000, with such violations treated as "offences of facilitating narcotic drug use".

Meanwhile, federal health authorities and private health facilities will be allowed to establish specialised units to treat and rehabilitate individuals addicted to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, with the UAE Cabinet given governing rights. Local authorities will be permitted to establish similar units within their respective jurisdictions.

The amendment also reassigns the responsibility of regulating medical products from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, to the Emirates Drug Establishment and its chairperson. Meanwhile, the National Anti-Narcotics Authority will replace Ministry of Interior in all national efforts to combat narcotics-related crimes.

Meanwhile, foreign nationals convicted of narcotics offences will face deportation after their sentences are completed. The court is permitted exceptions in two instances - one, if the person is married to or related to a UAE citizen at the time of committing the offence, or the family resides in the UAE and their deportation could deprive their family member of necessary care, as long as the family bears the costs. 

Qualified entities, including health facilities, chemical testing laboratories, research centres, and medical product manufacturing facilities, will be granted licences to possess and handle narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for scientific and medical purposes. 

It's part of efforts by the country to regulate the use of narcotics while ensuring public health and safety.