Dubai Health Authority said that it would launch an initiative to reduce medicine overdose among blue-collar workers
The initiative aims to address language and literacy barriers that blue-collar workers might be facing. Workers who have limited literacy and language skills could risk medication overdose.
According to the DHA, 75,000 blue collar workers are employed in Dubai. Most of these workers are from countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
The DHA will work with government hospitals and a range of pharmacies in the first phase. The system will be used across the 247 registered pharmacies and government hospitals across the Emirate after monitoring feedback over a two-month period.
“The risk of overdose amongst people who can’t read or understand an alien language has been high, so we are delighted to be introducing this solution, which is very simple but highly effective. We believe that it will be a success because the sticker system is quick and easy to use so pharmacies and dispensing hospital departments are expected to welcome this new system. Patients can now be reassured that they are taking the right dosage, at the right time and for the correct period," Ali Al Sayed, director of the pharmaceutical services department at the DHA said.
