KUWAIT CITY, July 25: In a sweeping crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical practices, Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, has shut down 20 pharmacies across multiple governorates for serious regulatory violations.

The move comes as part of an ongoing effort to clean up the pharmaceutical sector and follows a similar campaign in 2023 that led to the closure of 60 pharmacies. Those establishments were found to be operated or managed by unauthorized third parties, a direct breach of national healthcare regulations. The Ministry’s actions were later upheld by the Court of Cassation, affirming the legality of revoking their licenses and reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance stance.

The latest round of inspections was personally overseen by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Khalifa Al-Ajeel, and the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi. Officials emphasized that the campaign reflects high-level ministerial directives aimed at tightening oversight, eliminating malpractice, and safeguarding public health. “We will continue to intensify field campaigns and apply the law without exception,” said a senior government source, citing “clear and alarming indicators” found during the raids.

A joint task force from both ministries conducted the inspections, swiftly shutting down the non-compliant pharmacies. Legal action was initiated in multiple cases, including the revocation of operating licenses and referrals to the Public Prosecution for criminal and commercial violations.

The joint effort marks a critical component of the government’s broader initiative to uphold the rule of law and restore integrity to the healthcare sector. Officials confirmed that similar surprise inspections will continue in the coming weeks, with no leniency for violators.

In a firm message to stakeholders, the Ministry of Commerce urged all pharmacy owners and investors to comply fully with existing laws and licensing terms. “Ensuring the availability of safe, legal, and trustworthy healthcare services is not just a professional requirement — it’s a national priority,” the Ministry declared.

This uncompromising approach reflects Kuwait’s commitment to protecting both the health of its citizens and the credibility of its pharmaceutical industry.

KUWAIT CITY, July 26: The Public Prosecution has started investigating the assault on two doctors working at Sabah Al-Salem North Center by an unknown individual after they left their workplace late at night. Case files indicate that the assailant followed the two doctors in the parking lot of the clinic and attacked them with a sharp object (a wheel wrench), resulting in multiple injuries and a broken hand for one of them.

The assault happened when the doctors refused to grant him medical leave after the end of official working hours. Attorney Elaf Al-Saleh, acting on behalf of the Kuwait Medical Association and representing the victims, filed an official complaint against the perpetrator who fled the scene after committing the assault. The complaint was transferred from Sabah Al-Salem Police Station to the prosecution, which heard the testimonies of one of the victims and Al-Saleh.

The investigation will be completed once the other doctor gives his testimony upon completion of his treatment at Al-Razi Orthopedic Hospital. The deputy public prosecutor instructed the relevant security authorities to quickly apprehend the culprit.

Commenting on the incident, Al-Saleh denounced what she described as a “blatant and cowardly assault,” stressing that the crime is punishable under Kuwaiti law. She asserted, “This assault not only affects the two doctors, but it is also a blatant violation of the honor of the health sector, its professional and job security. It contradicts the human and ethical values upon which any civilized society is based. An assault on a doctor is, in essence, an assault on an entire humanitarian profession.” Al-Saleh praised the quick response of the investigation authorities at the area police station and the prosecution, affirming her confidence in the security authorities’ ability to arrest the accused and bring him to justice as soon as possible

By Jaber Al-Hamoud
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

KUWAIT CITY, July 25: Kuwaiti authorities have arrested 192 individuals in a sweeping security operation targeting residency and labor law violators across the country, officials confirmed today.

The large-scale crackdown, carried out by the General Department of Residence Affairs Investigations, was launched under the directives of His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. The campaign was also closely monitored by Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Major General Ali Misfer Al-Adwani.

According to the Ministry, the operation focused on several densely populated and high-risk areas, including Jahra, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Mahboula, Al-Qurain Markets, Ahmadi, and Fahaheel — regions often flagged for illegal labor activity and visa violations.

The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on violations of Kuwait’s residency and labor laws. Officials stressed that both workers and their employers would be held fully accountable, vowing continued enforcement without leniency.

This latest operation underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to upholding national security and enforcing the rule of law through sustained and targeted campaigns.