MANAMA: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah congratulated a new cohort of Kuwaiti medical graduates from the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), affirming their crucial role in strengthening Kuwait’s healthcare system. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following the graduation ceremony of 61 Kuwaiti students, Sheikh Thamer stressed that the future of Kuwait’s health sector depends greatly on their contributions. “These graduates represent the future, the builders of today and the hope of tomorrow,” he said, urging them to continue their journey of excellence and uphold Kuwait’s name with pride in the medical field.

“Today, we celebrate a group of young doctors taking their first steps in the noble path of humanitarian service after years of dedicated effort,” he said. He also expressed confidence in the responsibility and commitment of Kuwaiti youth, praising the Kingdom of Bahrain for its continued support and care for Kuwaiti students throughout their studies. Sheikh Thamer extended his appreciation to Arabian Gulf University, led by Dr Saad Al-Fahid, for its efforts in equipping students with high-quality medical education. He also lauded the Kuwaiti Cultural Office in Bahrain, headed by Dr Mohammed Al-Daghim, for its role in closely following up on student affairs and ensuring a supportive academic environment.

In a similar statement, Dr Al-Daghim congratulated the graduating students, commending their academic performance and the fruitful cooperation with AGU that helped foster a conducive learning environment. The graduation ceremony, held on Sunday, concluded with the distribution of certificates amid a distinguished academic presence. Student Rashid Al-Asousi was honored with second place in his graduating class. The event was attended by prominent figures including Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi, President of Bahrain’s Supreme Council of Health Sheikh Mohammed Al Khalifa, Bahraini Minister of Education Dr Mohammed Juma, Acting Undersecretary of Kuwait’s Ministry of Higher Education Lamia Al-Mulhim, along with parents and faculty members. — KUNA

NEW DELHI: Ambassadors of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in New Delhi held a coordination meeting chaired by Kuwait to discuss enhancing cooperation with India and address regional developments, Kuwait’s Embassy in New Delhi said in a statement on Wednesday. The meeting, held under Kuwait’s current presidency of the GCC, focused on advancing GCC-India relations across various sectors and deepening strategic dialogue at multiple levels.

The ambassadors exchanged ideas and shared Gulf perspectives to support the continued progress of joint Gulf action and regional integration. The meeting also addressed recent regional developments. The ambassadors strongly condemned the recent Iranian attack on the State of Qatar, describing it as a blatant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness. They reiterated the firm support of GCC countries for Qatar’s sovereignty, security and stability.

Furthermore, the ambassadors voiced concern over any threats to the security and stability of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the strategic importance of the vital maritime passage for international navigation, global trade and the flow of energy supplies. They warned against exploiting the strait in regional or international disputes. This marks the second meeting of GCC ambassadors in India during Kuwait’s tenure as chair of the council, part of ongoing efforts to coordinate positions and exchange views in a manner that serves the collective interests of the GCC and strengthens relations with India. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi on Wednesday issued a decision to revoke the licenses of 12 private pharmacies and permanently shut them down after they were found in violation of the Pharmacy Profession and Drug Circulation Law. The ministry has referred the cases to the Public Prosecution to ensure accountability and uphold drug safety standards. In a statement, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the closures were carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, General Administration of Customs, Kuwait Municipality and the Public Authority of Manpower. The ministry reiterated that drug safety is a red line and that any breach will be met with firm action.

Investigations revealed that the pharmacies were operated by two commercial companies rather than by licensed pharmacists, in direct contravention of Law No. 28 of 1996, which governs the practice of pharmacy and drug circulation in Kuwait. The ministry further disclosed the discovery of an unlicensed warehouse operated by one of the companies in the basement of a residential building. The warehouse, which supplied medicines and medical products to the pharmacies, was not registered or approved by the Ministry of Health.

The violations were uncovered during an extensive inspection campaign led by the Drug Inspection Department under the Drug Control Sector. The campaign, which spanned three consecutive days, targeted the implicated pharmacies, companies, and the illegal warehouse. Inspectors seized a number of unauthorized medicines not approved for circulation in Kuwait and documented serious breaches of health regulations. 

Based on the findings, the Ministry confirmed that those responsible were referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action, including charges related to practicing the pharmacy profession without a valid license. The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to strict regulatory oversight and warned that it will not tolerate any violations of pharmaceutical laws or safety regulations. It praised the joint efforts of all participating government agencies and called for continued coordination and field inspections to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical system in Kuwait. — KUNA