Thumbay Group today announces a new partnership with Noon, an e-commerce platform, to strengthen its e-commerce presence within UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other GCC countries.

For the first time, Thumbay has entered the digital marketspace through Noon – allowing its entire range of products including optical and nutrition portfolio to be available through an online platform.

The partnership will see Thumbay Retail Division comprising of Thumbay Pharmacy, Nutri Plus Vita Store, Zo&Mo Opticals and Flower Shoppe, working closely with Noon on getting all the product range that includes Premium Skincare, Baby Care, Eyewear, Medical Equipment and Nutrition products on the Noon marketplace, ensuring curated digital experience.

Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, VP Healthcare Division & Member of Thumbay Group Board, said: “We are thrilled about our partnership with Noon. Thumbay Retail Division has led the way in digital and this is a natural and significant transformation for us as we seek to reach e-commerce driven consumers.

“We want the digital expression of our brand to represent the very best in the brands and products we offer whether on our own platforms or through our partners, and Noon customers can now access the full range of our products.”

As part of the fostering relationships, Thumbay and Noon will also explore joint opportunities in marketing, know-how and best practices sharing in a bid to help grow online shopping in the region.

Renowned experts from the fields of pharmacy education, academics, pharmacy sciences and accreditation converged at Gulf Medical University, Ajman – a leading medical university of the Middle East region – to discuss the action plan and road map for improving the standards of pharmacy education in the country, to equip future pharmacy graduates with the skills, knowledge and perspectives to tackle emerging challenges and to play a greater role in the changing nature of pharmacy practice. Organized by the Commission for Academic Accreditation – Ministry of Education, UAE, in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (USA), the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (USA), the summit was held on 6^th and 7^th March 2019.

Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU said that pharmacy education is an integrated practice, requiring pharmacy students to have a deeper level of interaction with other health sciences.

Leading officials and experts addressed the opening session on a variety of issues related to pharmacy practice and education. Addressing the opening session, Prof. Mohamed Yousif Baniyas -Director, Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE said that the focal areas of the conference included formulating a strategy of higher education in pharmacy studies for the country, as well as facilitating international accreditations among institutions and enhancing applied learning in pharmacy.

Dr. Mariam Galadari – Media and International Relations, Pharmacy Division Chairperson of the Emirates Medical Association, UAE said that the future vision of the country with regard to pharmacy education envisioned a greater role for pharmacists in disease management and total patient care. “Pharmacists will assume a greater role in community settings and in developing systems of care,” she added. Dr. Ola Ghaleb Al Ahdab – Pharmaceutical Advisor, Drug Department & CPD – Pharma Founder & Program Manager, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE stressed that providing world-class healthcare is one of the priority areas of the UAE’s National Agenda 2021. Dr. Stephen Arkle – Commissioner, Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE observed that pharmacy programs offered by UAE Universities and colleges are able to attract serious and able students, as well as good quality faculty from around the world.

The two keynote speeches at the summit were delivered by internationally distinguished experts Prof. Claire Anderson – Professor of Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom; and Dr. Lucinda Maine – Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, United States of America.

Participating academic institutions in the summit included Al Ain University of Science Technology, Ajman University, Dubai Pharmacy College, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, Ras Al Khaimah Medical & Health Sciences University, University of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi University, and Gulf Medical University.

The third edition of the Annual Health Awards, jointly organized by DHA and HEALTH Magazine, honors His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council UAE and Ruler of Ajman as the ‘Personality of the Year’ and awards 18 distinguished organizations, 24 outstanding professionals and 11 healthcare trendsetters at the highly successful event in Dubai attended by 1000+ people.

Dubai, March 18, 2019: Winners of the third edition of the Annual Health Awards were awarded at a star-studded gala event at the Grand Hyatt Dubai on Monday, March 18, 2019. Jointly organized by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and HEALTH Magazine, the event – the region’s biggest and most comprehensive annual awards for the healthcare sector – brought together more than a thousand healthcare leaders and professionals from the UAE’s private and public sectors.

His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council UAE and Ruler of Ajman was honored as the ‘Personality of the Year’ as a tribute to His Highness’ visionary and dynamic leadership, as part of HEALTH Awards 2019.  The citation was presented to His Highness at a separate ceremony, by His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority in the presence of Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group and Publisher of HEALTH Magazine.

His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, in the presence of Dr. Thumbay Moideen presented the Annual Health Awards 2019 to 42 winners in 24 categories including private and public sector organizations and individuals, as well as 11 legendary dignitaries – for their pioneering roles in shaping the healthcare industry of the region.

The event was also graced by the presence of Emirati internet star Mr. Khalid Al Ameri, former Miss World Manushi Chhillar, Bollywood celebrity Sonu Sood, social media influencers Salama Mohamed, Jumana Khan, Ajmal Khan and Farhana Bodi and Miss World Egypt 2018 Mony Helal.

Congratulating the winners, H.E. Humaid Al Qutami said that every year, the Annual HEALTH Awards aims to honor outstanding achievements in healthcare, and to promote healthcare best practices. Noting that the number of nominations received this year had more than doubled compared to the previous edition, he urged increased participation from healthcare professionals and organizations in future editions.

Dr. Thumbay Moideen said that the 2020 edition of the Annual HEALTH Awards would also include the Gulf and the wider Middle East region, adding that many more corporate and individual healthcare categories were planned to be included in the next edition.

Ten distinguished healthcare trendsetters were honored with special awards as part of the Annual Health Awards 2019, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the region’s healthcare industry. The awardees were: H.E. Hamad Taryam Al Shamsi, Mr. Ali Reza, Dr. Abdulrahim Mustafawi, Dr. Jumana Belhoul, Dr. Sayed Jaffar, Dr. Azzan Bin Brik, Dr. Hajar Hosani, Dr. Hussain Abdulrahman, Dr. Aisha Sultan, Dr. Nadia Al Bastaki and Ms. Amal Al Shamlan.

List of Winners

Corporate Category

Distinguished Hospital/ Healthcare Centre/Other Agencies

 Hospitals:

1. Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi
2. NMC Specialty Hospital, Dubai

Medical Centers:

1. DHA-Medical Fitness Clinics, Dubai
2. Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic, Dubai

Laboratory & Radiology Services:

1. Prime Healthcare Group – Diagnostic Services, Dubai
2. DHA-Pathology & Genetics Dept, Dubai

Fitness Centers:

1. Advantage Sports UAE

Patient Satisfaction:

1. Canadian Specialist Hospital, Dubai

Innovative Technology:

1. DHA-Dental Services Department, Dubai

CSR Contribution:

1. Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai

Medical Tourism:

1. Al Zahra Hospital, Dubai
2. Life Balance Shoes Trading LLC Abu Dhabi

Treating People of Determination:

1. DHA-Primary Health Care Sector – Dubai

Pharmacies:

1. Life Pharmacy LLC, Dubai
2. Ahalia Group Pharmacies, Abu Dhabi

Medical Insurance Companies:

1. Oman Insurance Company, Dubai

Medical Equipment & Supplies Providers:

1. Star Key Hearing, LLC, Abu Dhabi

Medical Education Provider:

1. MOH-Training and Development Centre, Sharjah

Individuals Category

Distinguished Professionals

Leaders in Healthcare:

1. Dr. Anna Zickerman, Owner & Medical Director, Upandrunning Sports Medical Centre
2. Dr. V. S. Gopal, Founder & MD, Ahlia Medical Group

Executives in Healthcare:

1. Dr. Mohamed Rafique. P, Medical Director, Prime Hospital
2. Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Asst. Undersecretary for Medical Practice and License Sector, UAE Ministry of Health
3. Dr. Manal Mohammad Omran, CEO, Primary Health Care Sector – DHA

Innovative Researchers in Healthcare:

1. Hamid Yahya Hussain, Consultant, Physician & Professor, DHA
2. Professor Asma Deeb, Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology, Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi

Physicians:

1. Dr. Taisser Atrak, Director-Pediatrics & Neonatal ICU, Mafraq Hospital, AUH
2. Dr. Marlain Mubarak, Consultant-OB & Gynec, Canadian Specialist Hospital, DXB
3. Dr. Batool Al Balooshi, Consultant, Dubai Hospital/DHA, DXB

 Surgeons:

1. Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Jan Muhammad Suleman, Consultant & Acting Division Chief Pediatric Surgery, Mafraq Hospital, AUH
2. Dr. Amit Nagpal, Specialist Opthalmologist Vitreo, NMC Specialty Hospital, DXB

Dentists:

1. Dana Yousif AlRaeesi, Endodontist, MOHAP
2. Riyas Jamaluddin, Clinical Director, Smilecare Medical Center LLC

Medical Specialists:

1. Dr. Ajit Kumar, Consultant Neurologist & Regional Medical Director, NMC Medical Specialty, Dubai
2. Dr. Fiona Desira, Clinical Director, Child Early Intervention Medical Center

Paramedical Staff:

1. Naheed Kapadia Tariq, Senior Specialist, Latifa Women & Children Hospital, DXB
2. Paul Cheung, Chiropractor, Up and Running Medical Centre, DXB

Women in Healthcare:

1. Shamsa Abdulla Ali Bin Hammad, COO, Medcare Women & Children Hospital
2. Hamda Sultan AlMesmar, Director and Consultant, Dental Services Dept., DHA
3. Hibah Shata, MD (Child Early Intervention Medical Center)

Nurses:

1. Lwza Mohammed, Unit Manager, MOHAP
2. Dalal Darabseh, Director of Nursing, Canadian Specialist Hospital, Dubai

Pharmacists:

1. Preetha Harilal, In-Patient Pharmacist, NMC Specialty Hospital

About HEALTH Magazine

HEALTH Magazine is a leading health & lifestyle publication in the region, launched in 1999. It is highly regarded and read by a large segment of healthcare professionals and general public in the region and globally. It is a bi-monthly, bi-lingual (English and Arabic) magazine with a BPA-audited circulation of 20,000 copies and a readership of around 80,000. It is licensed by the National Media Council, UAE. It covers a variety of topics such as health, lifestyle, wellness, fitness, beauty, family, parenting, diet, nutrition, luxury and fashion.

The delegation was granted audience by His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council

A high-profile delegation from Malaysia, led by H. E. YB Dr. Maszlee bin Malik, Minister of Education, Malaysia, visited Thumbay Medicity on 10^th April, 2019. The delegation was received at Thumbay Medicity by Dr. Thumbay Moideen – Founder President of Thumbay Group, in the presence of Prof. Hossam Hamdy – Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay – Vice President of the Healthcare Division of Thumbay Group and Mr. Akram Moideen Thumbay – Director Operations – Construction & Renovation Division and Director – Thumbay Technologies.

The vision and future strategic directions of Thumbay Medicity was presented before the delegates, who then toured Thumbay Medicity’s state-of-the-art facilities for medical education, healthcare and research including Gulf Medical University, Thumbay Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital and the Thumbay University Hospital. They also toured the cutting-edge research facility, Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine (TRIPM).

Commenting on the facilities experienced by the delegation, H. E. YB Dr. Maszlee bin Malik said, “We are very impressed with what we saw here today at Thumbay Medicity, in terms of state-of-the-art facilities for medical education, healthcare and research. Thumbay Group is truly creating history in the region, with these futuristic facilities. We are keen to explore areas of collaboration with Thumbay Medicity, in medical education and research. We also would like to explore the possibility of setting up a similar facility in Malaysia, in addition to pursuing other mutually beneficial opportunities discussed during our visit today.”

Speaking about the significance of the delegation’s visit, Dr.  Thumbay  Moideen  said  that Thumbay Group was eager to explore areas of collaboration with  Malaysia, in medical education and research. “The strategic plans of Thumbay Group include the expansion of our global footprint, including setting up new university campuses as well as healthcare and research facilities in different parts of the world. Thumbay Medicity is the first such project in the UAE’s private sector, and the Gulf Medical University has the unique advantage of having established the first private academic health system in the region. We are confident that this visit by the delegation today will be a first step towards opportunities for collaboration between Malaysia and Thumbay Group.”

The University’s high-demand programs receive 6000+ admission enquiries every year

The unique, specialized College of Healthcare Management And Economics launched by Gulf Medical University (GMU), Ajman, has started admitting students into its Bachelor’s and Executive Master’s programs, with the aim of equipping graduates with comprehensive skills and knowledge to pursue careers in healthcare management, health economics, policy-making and administration in the region and internationally. With the addition of this new college, Gulf Medical University has become the biggest private medical university in the region with 6 colleges and 26 accredited courses. The University’s Admissions Department receives over 6000 enquiries annually, from different parts of the world, for its various high-demand programs.

Established in view of the huge expansion of the healthcare industry in the region and worldwide, the College of Healthcare Management and Economics offers two programs:

• The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and Economics (BSc. HME); a four-year program designed to graduate professionals with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, its language and unique culture.
• The Executive Master in Healthcare Management and Economics (EMHME); a 12-month program designed to benefit middle to senior level professionals in the healthcare industry. The program would be highly beneficial for working professionals to improve their career prospects and widen their professional networks.

The college as well as its programs is accredited by the Ministry of Education, UAE. The programs are offered in collaboration with leading international universities; the University of Milan, University of Arizona, American University of Cairo, University of Central Florida, etc. The college is a member of the European Healthcare Management Association, giving it seamless access to the network of faculty and collaborating universities. The faculty for the executive master’s program are top academicians and practitioners from renowned international institutions in the US, UK, France and Italy. The College of Healthcare Management & Economics enjoys strong ties with industry partners in the UAE and the GCC, as well as in India, US and Africa.

Explaining how the new programs offer students a unique learning experience and unparalleled career prospects, Prof. Hossam Hamdy, the Chancellor of GMU said, “GMU is a specialized medical University offering the full spectrum of health professions education, including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy etc., and the only University owning a network of teaching hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and diagnostic labs.  The students learn in a truly inter-professional atmosphere, experiencing multifaceted interactions within various healthcare systems. Furthermore, the graduates gain broad knowledge and skills in management, policy, economics, and in-depth experience in healthcare industry, innovation and informatics. These types of graduates will be highly needed for the healthcare sector and all related future businesses and services.”

Admissions are now open for the Bachelor’s program starting from September 2019 and the Executive Master’s Program.  The admissions department of GMU has been receiving enquiries and applications from students of different countries, attracted by the unique and futuristic nature of the course and  its focus on healthcare management and policymaking while covering all aspects of business.

The Executive Board, Gulf Medical University Academic Health System (GMUAHS) approved the proposal by the College of Pharmacy to establish a Center for Drug Information and Evidence-based Pharmacy during its fifth meeting held on May 8, 2019. The College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University is now responsible for establishing and running the new Center for Drug Information and Evidence-based Pharmacy in the brand new Thumbay University Hospital at Thumbay Medicity, Ajman, UAE. The Center will function in Collaboration with Drug Information Centers in the Medical University of South Carolina and Washington State University, USA.

Thumbay Medicity is a hub of medical education, healthcare, and research. It houses the Gulf Medical University, Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Labs, Thumbay Pharmacy, Thumbay Dental Hospital, Thumbay Physical Therapy, and Rehabilitation Hospital. Outside Thumbay Medicity, Thumbay Chain Pharmacies are functioning in all emirates of UAE. In addition, Thumbay Chain Hospitals and Clinics in most of the Emirates in UAE make Thumbay group as one of the largest healthcare providers in the country.

These hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies are part of the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System (GMUAHS). The Center for Drug Information and Evidence-based Pharmacy will be located in Thumbay University Hospital to serve the drug information and evidence-based pharmacy needs of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in GMUAHS.

Dr. Dixon Thomas, Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice said, “The Center will provide guidance to health professionals in Thumbay group of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies on safe, effective, quality, and affordable use of medication. By providing drug information support the center will support health professionals to develop informed decisions to establish evidence-based practice. The center will also provide guidance on creating protocols to develop standardized clinical pharmacy services.”

Prof. Sherief Khalifa, Dean College of Pharmacy commented, “ We are excited about establishing the Center for Drug Information and Evidence-based Pharmacy. This is a long awaited milestone for the College as it impacts both, the College educational programs as well as patient care in our affiliated hospitals. Such a center of Excellence in Pharmacy Services will redefine the role of the pharmacy profession and move it to higher standards and new frontiers in patient care.”

• Launches Thumbay Medicity Built with a Project Cost of One Billion Dirhams in Total.
• Hospital to serve 3000 patients per day and to attract patients from across the world
• Thumbay Medicity  in the UAE to serve 15,000+ people daily, when full-fledged, with advanced facilities in education, healthcare and research
• The largest private academic hospital in the region, with 350-bed capacity, with Acute care, Intensive Care facilities & also an exclusive 100-bed Long Term Care & Rehabilitation Unit, a unique Therapeutic Garden and innovative healthcare technologies including a robotic pharmacy

9^th December, 2019; Ajman, UAE: His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and  Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council inaugurated Thumbay University Hospital, the latest academic hospital of the group, at Thumbay Medicity, Ajman. His Highness also officially launched Thumbay Medicity, the regional hub of futuristic medical education, state-of-the-art healthcare and Research built in Ajman by Thumbay Group with a total investment of over one billion Dirhams.

Thumbay University Hospital is a state-of-the-art family healthcare destination with over a hundred consultation clinics, a dedicated 100-beds long term care and rehabilitation unit, Upcoming Centre for Oncology equipped with PET-CT scan, state-of-the-art center for imaging, 10 modern surgical suites for all major specialties, 10-bed dialysis unit, Cath Lab, ICU/CCU/NICU/PICU etc.

The Hospital has a dedicated floor for the Mother and Child programme including state of art 10 Labor & Delivery Rooms, NICU,SCBU,Well baby Unit,etc. The Thumbay Pharmacy located within Thumbay University Hospital is the biggest robotic pharmacy in the country with automated robotic technology to prepare and dispense medicines for fast track services & accuracy, medication safety. The hospital’s diagnostic lab is connected to the central reference lab of Thumbay Labs through a pneumatic tube system; the largest of its kind in the country. The hospital has a ‘Therapeutic Garden’ for better relaxation and holistic recovery of in-patients. Marhaba Services – personalized fast track services for patients – are available in addition to Presidential Suite Rooms, VIP Rooms, Private Rooms etc. The hospital has a dedicated medical tourism department for serving medical tourists. In addition, Thumbay University Hospital offers a wide range of amenities for patients and visitors, such as a multi-restaurant food court, movie theatre, coffee shops, health club, 1000+ free parking spaces etc. A professional workforce of 25 different nationalities serve patients in 50 different languages.

Dr. Thumbay Moideen said, “Thumbay Medicity is the result of our continued efforts to bring the best to the region, making it a hub of world class healthcare, Education and Research using state-of-the-art technology, experienced medical practitioners and superior facilities. “Thumbay University Hospital aims to evolve as a center of excellence for healthcare at the same time bringing in medical tourists from various parts of the world, transforming the country into the most popular medical tourism destination. The hospital has established international collaborations with various top global healthcare brands in the UAE, France, Spain, Italy and Korea, with the view of taking this vision forward.”

Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay said “Thumbay University Hospital is the only hospital of its kind in the region, equipped with the latest technology and expert healthcare professionals. As a quaternary care facility, it is a referral hospital to which primary and secondary care hospitals and clinics refer their complex cases. We are confident that the hospital would complement the world-class amenities at Thumbay Medicity and set new standards of quality and innovation in healthcare.”

Thumbay University Hospital has established international collaborations with renowned global centers of excellence: Villa Beretta, Facility of the Valduce Hospital in Como – Italy; Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics – Kansas City, US; IMO – Spain; Gruppo Ospedaliero – San Donato, Italy; HopitauxUniversitaries – Paris Sud, France; Hopital Universitaire Mere Enfant – France; Hopital Paul Brousse – France; Institut Cochin – France; BK Plastic Surgery – Korea.

Dr. Faisal Parvez, COO of Thumbay University Hospital added that “We are working to attract patients from all over the world and the hospital will have 3000 Patient per day and grow further and has a capacity of 350 In patient beds with 100 beds dedicated for Long Term care an 50 Beds dedicated for Medical Tourism.

Thumbay Medicity is one of the latest additions to the UAE’s healthcare sector; the first such project in the private sector. It features advanced technology and global expertise, and houses the Gulf Medical University, Thumbay University Hospital, Thumbay Dental Hospital and Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital and outlets of Thumbay Pharmacy and Thumbay Labs, in addition to Body & Soul Health Club and Spa, Thumbay Food Court, The Terrace Restaurant, Blends & Brews Coffee Shoppe, and the Thumbay Housing Project to accommodate 2500 staff and students. Having a total area of 1 million sq.ft. and built-up area of 1.2 million sq.ft., Thumbay Medicity will serve 15,000+ people daily, when it is full-fledged.

The hospitals, pharmacies and labs of Thumbay Medicity are part of the Gulf Medical University Academic Health System (GMUAHS), which links the healthcare, medical education and research functions on its own. Hence, they also serve as training sites for the students of Gulf Medical University. Being academic hospitals, they have been designed in such a way as to facilitate learning, at the same time delivering high quality care. Even the Thumbay Food Court has been designed as a ‘Live & Learn’ space, enabling students to relax as well as interact and learn from each other.

The event was presided by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, the Founder President of Thumbay Group, in the presence of Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay – Vice President of the Healthcare Division of Thumbay Group, Mr. Akram Moideen Thumbay – Director Operations of the Construction and Renovation Division and Director of Thumbay Technologies, Dr. Faisal Parvez, COO of Thumbay University Hospital and other members of Thumbay Group’s administrative team.

The hospital also allows patients in need of chronic medication to place their orders over the phone

Thumbay University Hospital, the largest private academic hospital in the region located at Thumbay Medicity, Al Jurf, Ajman, has launched 24-hour drive-through pharmacy service at the hospital premises, enabling patients and customers to collect their medication without stepping out of their cars. The move comes as part of the hospital’s series of measures to improve customer convenience and safety, in the wake of the social distancing and hygiene regulations mandated by the UAE authorities and WHO due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customers can drive in and place their orders or present their prescriptions and collect the medications without having to physically enter the pharmacy, and by maintaining the stipulated social distance with the pharmacy staff handling their request. Direction signage have been installed at the hospital entrance and at other relevant places, ensuring that people have no difficulties accessing the drive-through service.

“Pharmacies play a vital role in the healthcare system, providing critical services to the public, especially in times like these when the world is dealing with a pandemic. It is important for Thumbay University Hospital to ensure the safe and continuous functioning of our pharmacy. By launching drive-through service, we intend to minimize risks for our staff as well as patients and customers, through infection prevention and social distancing measures. This also ensures round-the-clock availability of medicines and other pharmacy essentials,” said Dr. Mohammad Faisal, the COO of Thumbay University Hospital.

Moreover, the hospital has also enabled chronic medication refill for insurance patients by just making a phone call to 054-9955415. “We want to assure our patients that they will always have easy access to enough chronic medications including cardiac medications, diabetic medications or any potentially important medication that they need on a routine basis. Patients can get their medicines at home through the home delivery of medicines being done by Thumbay University Hospitalpharmacy,” said Dr. Mohammad Faisal.

Elaborating on the efforts of the Thumbay Pharmacy network to ensure the safety of its staff and customers, Ravi K Gannavarapu, General Manager of the Retail Division of Thumbay Group said, “All Thumbay Pharmacies in the UAE are taking active steps to facilitate social distancing and hygiene, thereby reducing risks of exposure. All our pharmacy outlets frequently clean and disinfect customer service counters, waiting areas and customer contact areas. Thumbay Pharmacy’s drive-through service at Thumbay University Hospital is the latest step in this direction.”

Thumbay University Hospital has a robotic pharmacy with automated robotic technology to prepare and dispense medicines. This smart pharmacy, part of the Thumbay Pharmacy network, ensures zero dispensing errors and achieves considerable reduction in waiting times. Spread across 4700 sq. ft. area, it is equipped with robotic and pneumatic tube system, and has been designed for high density storage up to 42,000 units and hassle-free retrieval of medications. It is equipped with medication safety bar-code scanning, ensuring that the medications and strengths are correct during both the carousel stocking and dispensing process.

Millions of people are affected worldwide with adverse events due to medicines. Medicines are strong agents programmed to solve health problems, but if not properly used, results in harm or even death. The academic health system of Gulf Medical University is sharing its wealth of medicines knowledge in patient care at Thumbay University Hospital. With an experienced team of clinical pharmacy preceptors and faculty, the GMU College of Pharmacy is running the Clinical Pharmacy Department at Thumbay University Hospital to ensure rational drug use.

Pharmacists have a long history of discovering and manufacturing medicines. Clinical Pharmacy is a relatively new area of practice of pharmacists. Pharmacists work with doctors and nurses to provide direct patient care in rational drug use. With clinical expertise pharmacists recommend and modify right medicines to inpatients and outpatients.

Five preceptors of the College who were practicing as clinical pharmacists in Thumbay Hospital Ajman is transferred to Thumbay University Hospital. Faculty with license is joining the team to provide clinical pharmacy services. Three new faculty are joining the College from USA, Australia, and UAE to strengthen the clinical pharmacy team.

The following services are offered by the Department of Clinical Pharmacy:

• Counsel the patients on appropriate use of medicines, achieve best treatment outcomes, and prevent adverse drug events.
• Work as an integral part of clinical team at hospital to ensure high quality medication management with safe, effective and affordable care.

This Academic Health System is providing unique opportunities for Pharmacy students in Gulf Medical University to be trained in their on-campus 350-bed hospital under the supervision of their preceptors and faculty. Quality clinical pharmacy education at GMU is developing next generation of smarter pharmacy workforce with clinical skills.

College of Pharmacy at GMU started its Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program in 2008 and the graduates are successfully working in many countries in the UAE, America, Europe, MENA region, and other places. Bright graduates are hired by the College, Thumbay Hospitals and Pharmacies. Academic Health System of Gulf Medical University with Thumbay Hospitals and Pharmacies is first of its kind in the UAE.

The new Center at Gulf Medical University for Drug Information and Evidence-Based Pharmacy at Thumbay University Hospital is reforming Pharmacy Education and Practice in the region. College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University is the first to start a drug information center by an Academic Institution in the UAE. It is a center of excellence with collaborations with Washington State University and the Medical University of South Carolina in the USA. The roles of the center for Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice includes providing drug information support in direct patient care and in establishing an evidence-based practice with a scientific mix of evidence, local expertise, and patient values. The center for Drug Information and Evidence-Based Practice is responsible to provide best quality drug information in a timely manner to healthcare professionals in achieving better treatment outcomes in their patients. It helps in the informed decision-making process. It is also responsible to support high-quality patient care ensuring patient safety with the selection of right medicines to hospital formulary and revision of clinical protocols.

Pharmacists traditionally been scientists. They discovered and prepared medicines. With dispensing for rational drug use, pharmacists monitor for medication safety and effectiveness. Based on scientific data, they improvised medicines and medical devices. Drug information and evidence-based practice is a hallmark of pharmacists. It scientifically and intellectually enhances pharmacy practice, respected by their patients and fellow clinicians.

The doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is a higher-level program in the USA, and the MENA region is moving in that direction too. PharmD program is imparting higher scholarly skills in students. Students are transformed into respectable clinicians with high experiential and research learning.

The center for drug information and evidence-based pharmacy operated by the College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University provides a unique opportunity for pharmacy students to practice and learn from real-world experience. Gulf Medical University being part of the Thumbay Group is blessed with its own hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in UAE. Students with excellent merits are given job opportunities in its healthcare institutions.