A deal has been signed between health chiefs and an international chocolate company to carry out the World Health Survey in the UAE.

The Ministry of Health and the Nestle Middle East inked a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) to implement the survey which aims to compile comprehensive information on the health of the local population, news agency WAM reported on Friday.

The survey in UAE is estimated to cost four million dirhams and Nestle Middle East has made a financial contribution of 500,000 dirhams to support the programme.

The survey, which will last until the end of March 2009, will cover 5,000 national and expatriate families.

UAE prescription drug prices are to go under review by the country's health officials. A survey conducted by the Gulf News found prescription drug prices have risen by more than 5% in the last month. Prices for drugs are fixed by the Ministry of Health. Dr Ali Shakar, director-general at the ministry, said the increase in drug prices was due to the currency exchange rate.

Qatar National Health Authority has banned products made by UAE-based PharmaCare FZE and registration of the company was cancelled by the Qatar National Health Authority, Gulf News has cited reports from the Ministry of Health. The products were reported to contain impurities and the Ministry has banned the sale of Carelox, a drug produced by its plant in Jebel Ali.