In a major relief to the cancer patients, the drug Flurodeoxglucose (FDG) will now be produced in the UAE at its newly inaugurated state-of-the-art facility. The drug, having a very short shelf life of just 10 hours, is needed for conducting PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan of cancer patients.

The new facility would mitigate import dependence of the drug and thus help early detection of cancer. FDG is injected to the patients for conducting a PET scan. UAE earlier imported the drug from countries like Holland for its domestic medical needs but short life of the drug always remained a major challenge for the authorities.

Terming the move as a major milestone in the medical care, Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Director General of Dubai Health Authority added, "Now it will be manufactured in Dubai and will be an hour away from the major hospitals that require this drug for various oncological, cardiovascular and neurological conditions."

The facility, first of its kind in the country, will significantly improve cancer management for patients in the region. Meanwhile, the government has assured every help for to the private sector for under taking more such initiatives in the health sector in Dubai.