In a major digital shift, Emirates Health Services (EHS) has begun implementing a plan to abolish the health card, replacing it with the Emirates ID as the primary identifier for patients across its hospitals and healthcare centres.

The move is aimed at simplifying access to treatment and cutting administrative red tape.

What’s changing?

For years, patients needed a valid health card to register and receive treatment at EHS facilities, including renewals when expired.

Under the new system:

• The Emirates ID will serve as the unified patient identifier
• No separate health card will be required
• Registration procedures will be streamlined
• Administrative steps will be reduced

The aim? Faster access, shorter waiting times and smoother admissions.

Who will benefit first?

According to EHS, the rollout will happen in phases.

Phase One:

• Emirati citizens
• UAE residents
• Nationals of GCCcountries

Later phases will include:

• Children of Emirati women
• Spouses of Emirati citizens
• People of determination
• Additional categories requiring coordination with other entities

Saif Abdullah Al Hassani, Head of Service Development and User Experience at EHS, said the move aligns with the UAE’s digital transformation agenda and national database integration.

In simple terms: one ID, one system, less paperwork.

EHS confirmed it is technically ready to cancel the health card for all groups immediately. However, a phased rollout is being adopted to monitor system performance and address any operational challenges before full implementation.

When will it be fully implemented?

The first group of beneficiaries has already completed technical and regulatory preparations, with a formal announcement expected soon.

Further categories will be added gradually as coordination with external entities is completed.

What this means for patients

Once fully implemented:

• No more renewing health cards
• Faster registration at hospitals
• Reduced paperwork
• Improved patient experience

The Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) has activated a new regulatory mechanism aimed at ending monopolistic practices in the UAE’s medical product market, marking a significant shift in how pharmaceuticals are distributed across the country.

Introduced under the 2024 federal law governing medical products, pharmacists and pharmaceutical establishments, the measure requires pharmaceutical companies to appoint more than one authorised agent for each medical product marketed in the UAE.

Officials say the move is designed to strengthen pharmaceutical security, ensure stable medicine supplies and enhance national preparedness during emergencies.

Ending single-agent control

Under the new framework, companies can no longer depend on a single distributor for a specific product.

By mandating multiple authorised agents, the EDE aims to:

• Prevent supply disruptions
• Improve distribution efficiency
• Increase supply-chain flexibility
• Eliminate monopolistic control over essential medicines

The authority said the mechanism will widen treatment options and promote healthier competition among distributors, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers.

Boosting investment and market sustainability

Beyond addressing monopolies, the initiative is expected to make the UAE pharmaceutical sector more attractive to investors.

Officials note that diversified distribution channels reduce operational risks and enhance long-term sustainability, a key pillar in building a resilient healthcare ecosystem.

The reform aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to modernise regulatory systems and position the country as a regional hub for life sciences and pharmaceutical trade.

Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State and Chairman of the EDE’s Board of Directors, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s public policy approach to developing a robust national pharmaceutical ecosystem.

He emphasised the authority’s commitment to:

• Diversifying supply chains
• Enhancing regulatory efficiency
• Creating a flexible legislative environment
• Protecting public health

Officials stress that the mechanism goes beyond market competition. It serves as a strategic safeguard to ensure uninterrupted access to medicines during global disruptions or health emergencies.

What it means for the healthcare sector

The activation of the mechanism signals a transition toward a more competitive, transparent and secure pharmaceutical market.

• For patients: Greater consistency in medicine availability
• For distributors: Increased competition and operational flexibility
• For investors: A stronger, more sustainable regulatory environment

As implementation of the 2024 federal law continues, further refinements are expected to shape the future of the UAE’s pharmaceutical supply chain and reinforce national health security.

Residents across the UAE have been urged to immediately stop using several health supplements and a laboratory product after the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) ordered their withdrawal from the market.

In four urgent circulars, the regulator announced the recall and ban of three food supplements and one medical product, citing safety concerns including unapproved ingredients, contamination risks and quality defects. The authority warned consumers not to purchase the named products, particularly through online sales platforms.

Businesses have also been instructed not to advertise, distribute, store or sell the affected items in pharmacies, medical warehouses, health shops or via e-commerce channels in the UAE.

Products that residents are advised to avoid

In its first alert, the EDE warned against an unauthorised supplement marketed as “Super Immune+”, stating that it contains unapproved ingredients, including dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), molybdenum amino acid chelate, and boron citrate. The product was neither registered nor legally imported into the UAE.

A second circular ordered the withdrawal of “WoundVite”, sold under the brand ZEN NUTRIENTS, after authorities identified the presence of a novel food ingredient not authorised under European regulations. The supplement had not undergone regulatory assessment in the UAE.

In a third notice, the EDE referenced a safety update issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), coordinating with disease control authorities, regarding the recall of certain batches of “Rosabella Moringa Capsule” due to potential Salmonella contamination.

Separately, specific batches of the laboratory product “Isotonac-4” were recalled following a reported quality defect. The manufacturer and supplier have been instructed to implement an immediate withdrawal.

Public advisory

The EDE urged residents to verify the registration status of supplements and medical products before purchase and to avoid buying unverified health products from unofficial online sellers.

Consumers who have purchased any of the named items are advised to discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if they experience any adverse effects.

Authorities continue to monitor the market to ensure consumer safety and prevent the circulation of unauthorised health products.