Dubai, April 8 (IANS/WAM) The UAE's health ministry said Friday it has doubled the funds to 300 million dirhams (about $81 million) for purchasing medicines this year.

 
 In 2010, the ministry had allocated 150 million dirhams.
 
 UAE Health Minister Hanif Hassan Ali said the ministry has contacted the pharmaceutical companies in this regard.
 
 "We immediately began contracting with the specified manufacturers to provide medicines to the medical zones, hospitals and health facilities," the minister said.
 
 He has instructed the officials to ensure the drugs are available at all government medical facilities.