The UAE's health bureau announced that it has doubled up the funds to about $81 million for buying medications in 2011.

During the last year (2010), the health ministry had allocated 150 million dirhams for purchasing medicines.

According to Hanif Hassan Ali, UAE is making discussions with drug companies to make medications upon directions from the federal government.

Dr. Ali stated, "We immediately began contracting with the specified manufacturers to provide medicines to the medical zones, hospitals and health facilities."

On Thursday, the health minister had a conference with the directors of the medical zones.

In addition, Dr. Hanif has given instructions to the functionaries in order to make sure the medicines are obtainable at all administrative medical facilities.

As per reports, the health department bought medications worth Dh17 million for chronic illnesses.