MOHAP signs two MoUs with Astrazeneca and Bayer to provide free medicines to patients with critical illnesses

Published Wednesday, 03 October 2018

In the context of the Year of Zayed 2018, Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) signed two Memorandums of Understanding with 2 pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca and Bayer, to provide free medicines for one year for patients with breast, ovarian and lung cancer, treated with AstraZeneca medicines, and patients with macular degeneration, impaired vision, liver cell carcinoma, differential thyroid cancer, and advanced kidney cancer, treated with Bayer medicines.

The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing Sector representing the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Samer Al Halaq, Middle East Regional President, AstraZeneca, and Henrik Wulff: Senior Bayer Representative and Managing Director for the Middle East.

Support for patients based on a strategic partnership with the two companies

Dr. Amin Al Amiri said that signing MoUs within the initiatives of ‘Zayed Year’ was part of a strategic partnership that brings together the ministry with the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.

"We are pleased to launch patient support programs for all those who meet the criteria as per the treatment plan, and according to the doctor's prescription. The programs are in line with the policy of the ministry and its keenness to provide appropriate treatments for patients in line with UAE Vision 2021, which aims to implement a health system based on the highest international standards.

Through the initiative, patients will be able to obtain certain AstraZeneca medicines which are prescribed by caregivers. The number of packages they receive will depend on the patient's financial capabilities and adherence to treatment plans as prescribed by the physician.

Secure medicines for eligible patients 

He pointed out that the MoUs fall within the ministry’s framework of supporting cooperation and coordination with various entities that contribute to improved patient services and easy access to high quality care in a comprehensive manner that ensures the provision of medication and appropriate treatment by building partnerships with various entities that contribute to the success of MOHAP’s efforts to implement the policies and tasks assigned to the Ministry.

Dr. Amin Al Amiri said that the initiative is significant because it provides the appropriate treatment for eligible patients by using sustainable solutions that ensure the continuity of medicines for the patient, and helps doctors follow the best practices in the treatment of patients, and also enables the patient to follow up and terminate the treatment according to the specific plan.

He added that Axios Health Education is responsible for coordinating with charities, NGOs and the many licensed doctors, pharmacies and drug agents supported by the program, to ensure ease of operations. It is also responsible for the smooth running of the program and regular communication with the patient to ensure the ready availability of the treatment, according to the plan.

Re’aya Initiative (Care Initiative)

Samer Al-Hallaq, Middle East Regional President, AstraZeneca, said: “We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Health and Prevention to implement this important initiative, that will contribute to strengthening of the ministry's efforts to build a high-quality health system in accordance with global standards. Re’aya reflects our ongoing commitment to AstraZeneca to provide treatment for low-income patients and our commitment to partner with the Ministry of Health and Prevention for the same.”

Da'am Initiative (Support Initiative)

Ahmed Jawad, Director of Operational Markets at Bayer Middle East, commended the importance of the MoU in helping to launch patient support programs to alleviate suffering, especially among the low-income segment of the population. He said that the ‘Da’am’ initiative includes those who have been diagnosed with adult macular degeneration, impaired vision due to vasoconstriction of the eye, diabetes and vascular dilation, as well as diseases, especially cancer, of the liver, thyroid, and the kidneys. 

Did you find the content useful ?

Give us your feedback so we can improve your experience


Help us improve MOHAP website

Give us your feedback so we can improve your experience

Thank you for your feedback.