Today, a senior health official disclosed that the UAE has witnessed an increase by 10 per cent in 2009 over 2008 in the Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing plants increased.

Dr. Amin Al Amiri, Executive Director of Medical Practices and Licenses, Ministry of Health, told the sixth International Pharmacist Day today in Fujairah, "The total number of private pharmacies in the UAE crossed 2000 recruiting more than 4000 pharmacists and assistant pharmacists."

Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah Culture and Information Authority opened the one-day conference, held under the theme ''Future Pharmacist : New Educational Horizons ....... Opportunities and Challenges''.

Health Ministry and Emirates Medical Services Co had co-organized the event.