Ministry shuts 12 pharmacies over legal violations

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