DUBAI: Here is some good news for the less privileged and patients suffering from chronic diseases. The UAE has slashed the prices of 205 drugs for different diseases of which 14 are used for diabetes.

The move follows several discussions between the Ministry of Health and different drug companies.

“The move is part of the ministry’s efforts to provide medicines at reasonable prices. A comparative study of all the drugs prices has been made covering both neighboring countries and worldwide manufacturers,” Health Minister Abdul Rahman Al-Owais said on Tuesday.

Providing drugs at reasonable prices is one of the priorities of the UAE health-care services, said Dr. Amin Hussein Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary.

“The initiative led to the reduction in prices of 14 diabetes drugs, in addition to 191 drug products for other diseases.”

He added: “The pricing system … depends on the regular analysis and amendments of drug prices according to the latest updates in the drugs market such as prices of similar drugs and economic or social factors.”