Bahrain confirms availability of alternatives for out-of-stock drugs

TDT | Manama                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Alternatives are available at pharma stores across Bahrain for medicines to treat common cold, fever and allergies that have gone out of stock, a top official confirmed. National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) CEO Dr Mariam Al Jalahma, yesterday said that alternatives manufactured by different brands are available in the pharma market in the Kingdom.

Dr Mariam’s response comes after reports about shortage of many drugs in the market including Advil Cold and Sinus tablets, Unifed Extra and Salinal. “The authority would like to clarify that all mentioned medicines have alternatives available across pharmacies,” she pointed out.

The authority publishes a list of all medicines along with available alternatives through the authority’s website. Dr Mariam explained that the authority has taken a number of measures to facilitate the import, licensing and registration of medicines, health products and medical devices to ensure their speedy entry and distribution in the Kingdom. Dr Mariam stressed that the authority is keen on ensuring the availability of all medicines and has taken a number of measures related to the renewal of registrations. The authority also follows up with all agents the dates of arrival of unavailable medicines and the reasons for delaying them, she added.

The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) is an independent regulatory body established in 2010 under Law No. 38 of 2009. NHRA’s mission is to regulate the provision of healthcare in Bahrain and ensure appropriateness, continuity, efficiency and safety in delivering health services, both in the governmental and private sector. It will be based on the best scientific evidence and healthcare best practices, in accordance to international standards. NHRA is responsible for implementation and development of health regulations in both governmental and private sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This involves regulatory procedures related to licensing health care facilities including; hospitals, medical centers, private clinics, centers for allied health professionals, pharmaceutical centers; as well as licensing health care professionals within these facilities. NHRA is also responsible for registration and pricing of medicine, licensing pharmaceutical factories, granting approvals in relation to conducting clinical trials, investigating professional misconduct claims, and conducting disciplinary hearings for health professionals in the Kingdom.