The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has launched an electronic system for controlled medicines for travelers.
This will enable passengers arriving in or departing from Qatar to apply for a prior permit to carry controlled medicines for personal use, track the status of their application, and receive the permit electronically, according to MoPH's press release issued Wednesday.
The Ministry said that the new electronic system helps speed up procedures and improve the user experience, while maintaining the highest standards of pharmaceutical control and ensuring the safe and responsible use of controlled medicines.
The electronic system provides a flexible and clear mechanism that enables arriving and departing travelers to meet the legal and health requirements for carrying controlled medicines for personal use before their trip with ease, MoPH added. It also strengthens pharmaceutical oversight to protect the community.
The Ministry has also issued a guidance booklet for using the electronic system, explaining in a simple way how to benefit from its services, the requirements, and the application steps, as well as the supporting guidance and documents, including the list of controlled medicines.
MoPH pointed out that applications submitted by travelers are approved or rejected within three working days after all requirements have been met. Travelers are advised to submit their application at least five working days before their travel date.
The launch of the electronic system comes as part of the Ministry's commitment to automating its services, helping to ensure faster and more efficient completion, in line with the priorities of the National Health Strategy, particularly the priority of a more efficient and resilient health system, and the important initiatives under the strategic outcome of a "highly efficient digital health system."
The electronic system for controlled medicines for travelers can be accessed through MoPH's website.
To apply for the electronic permit, users must access the electronic system through the National Authentication System, submit the application, and attach the required documents specified in the system, most notably a valid prescription, the Ministry noted.
The application is then reviewed by the Department of Pharmacy and Drug Control at the Ministry, and the permit is issued in accordance with the approved regulatory requirements and controls.
