All about DDC List: Dubai Drug Codes
In the UAE, DDC Code stands for Dubai Drug Codes. It’s a group of unique drug codes created and assigned to each drug registered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). These codes are only used for medicines in the Emirate of Dubai.
The latest DDC list file is updated two times a week, where some codes are deactivated and new codes are added to the list. This list of codes is then added to the eClaim website. You will need a registered account to access and download it, so yes, this file is only for registered facility users.
Download DDC Code List
In order to download the latest Dubai Drug Codes (DDC list), you can download it from the official eClaim website. Please click the link below to download.
DDC Code Meaning
In Dubai, “DDC” primarily refers to the: Dubai Drug Codes. The DDC system contains details like:
- Unique identifier: Each DDC code is a unique alphanumeric combination, ensuring accurate identification of individual drugs.
- DDC system contains details like
- Route of administration (e.g., oral, injection)
- Dosage form (e.g., tablet, capsule)
- Pack size
- Medicine Price
- Manufacturer
- Registered owner
- Source (e.g., MOH, DHA, private hospital)
| STATUS | DDC_CODE | TRADE_NAME |
|---|---|---|
| Discontinued on 2013.06.23 | 0095-149911-0511 | OLFEN |
| Discontinued on 2013.06.23 | 0095-149911-0512 | OLFEN |
| Active | 0095-149911-1021 | OLFEN |
| Discontinued on 2013.06.01 | 0095-149911-1022 | OLFEN |
- Health insurance claims: Mostly used in electronic billing and claims processing, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in medication reimbursements.
- Drug identification and tracking: Precise identification of drugs, facilitating inventory management, monitoring of drug usage, and tracking of potential safety issues.
- Medication safety: DDC codes help prevent medication errors by correctly identifying drugs during prescribing, dispensing, and administration.
- Data Analysis & Research: DDC codes are used in research and data analysis related to drug utilization patterns, costs, and outcomes, supporting evidence-based decision-making in healthcare.
- It serves several important purposes in the Dubai healthcare system.
All DDC codes are connected and validated through DHPO. DHPO then provides a confirmation or an error message to the payer (insurance), depending on whether the member record exists in the DHPO database and whether the member details align with the internal record.
What is the meaning of DHPO?
DHPO stands for Dubai Health Post Office. It handles all claim submissions from different portals through APIs.
How to Download the Latest DDC List (2025)
To download the latest DDC file available, you need to follow these steps
- Open the eClaim website (www.eclaimlink.ae) and enter your username and password
- Once signed-in go to code sets where all data sets are available DHD > Codes & Lists > Dubai Drug Code
- Now click the Download button to get the latest Excel file of the DDC file.
or Direct link to download DDC List (you must be a registered user)
How DDC codes are used by Dubai Insurance Companies?
- Healthcare providers: DDC codes are used in prescribing, dispensing, and billing for medications.
- Health insurance companies: DDC codes are used in processing claims for medications.
- Researchers: DDC codes can be used in analyzing drug utilization data.
- DHA Drug List: DDC Codes are an essential component of the official DHA drug list available for all healthcare providers, insurance companies & health professionals.
How to Register a new DDC code
To register a new DDC code for a new medicine, there are two methods of registration. Typically, a DDC drug registration is needed by medical companies and healthcare facilities
- Pharmaceutical companies and healthcare facilities: New drugs or medications not yet on the DDC list can be registered through an application process available in detail online on the eClaim site.
- Weekly Regular updates: The DDC list is updated regularly to reflect changes in drug availability, pricing, and other relevant information.
Currently, there are 29000 records listed in a downloadable excel file.
- eClaim login: This electronic platform for healthcare claims processing in Dubai utilizes DDC codes and may include images of drug packaging or labels for verification purposes.
- Other systems: The DHA may utilize images in conjunction with DDC codes in other systems to enhance drug identification and safety.
All pharmacists working in the UAE are aware of the DDC codes and how they work to obtain approval for a medicine for customers.
Remember, the DDC list is a modern way to integrate medicine billing codes to simplify the process of claims according to international standards. It also creates transparency among healthcare providers and insurance companies, and it impacts the economy.
