KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi has welcomed a recent ruling by the Court of Cassation that upheld the ministry’s decisions to shut down and revoke the licenses of 60 pharmacies found in violation of pharmacy law. “These rulings are a victory for the law, a protection for society, and a safeguard for pharmaceutical security,” said Dr Al-Awadhi in a statement, which didn’t name the pharmacies in question.

He stressed that the ministry’s actions were based on legal violations where pharmacies were operated or invested in by individuals other than the licensed pharmacists — a clear breach of the executive regulations governing pharmacy operations. According to the minister, the pharmacy license is a personal right granted solely to licensed pharmacists and may not be transferred or exploited by third parties.

“We will not tolerate any violation that affects the integrity of the medical or pharmaceutical professions,” Dr Al-Awadhi said. “The ministry will continue to take all necessary legal and regulatory steps to ensure professional standards and protect public trust in health services.”

He expressed gratitude to Kuwait’s judiciary, the Fatwa and Legislation Department, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Kuwait Municipality, and the Public Authority for Manpower for their cooperation in enforcing the law. “This is a firm message to anyone who violates the laws regulating health professions,” the minister said. “We are committed to continuing our oversight and legislative responsibilities with the highest standards of transparency and public interest.” The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry are working closely to enforce pharmacy regulations, ensuring the licensing system is not abused and the pharmaceutical sector remains credible and secure, the health ministry said in a statement.

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) said on Thursday it has, for the first time, identified toxic microalgae species responsible for red tide events and mass fish deaths in Kuwaiti waters.

The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Botanica Marina, settle a long-standing scientific debate by confirming the presence of three harmful species: Karenia papilionacea, Karenia selliformis, and Karlodinium ballantinum, lead author Dr. Manal Al-Kandari told state news agency KUNA.

Al-Kandari said the study conclusively confirmed the existence of K. selliformis, which caused a major fish kill in Kuwait in 1999, and K. papilionacea, both of which had been debated in earlier research. She noted that K. ballantinum was recorded for the first time not only in Kuwait but in the entire Arabian Gulf region.

Describing the discovery as a “strategic scientific achievement,” Al-Kandari said the findings will support the development of early warning systems to mitigate future outbreaks, safeguard marine biodiversity, and strengthen food security.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and led to the creation of a preserved reference collection of living microalgae strains—a resource she said will benefit future national and regional marine research.

Al-Kandari also acknowledged the continued support of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), calling for further investment in marine environmental studies.—KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr Nader Al-Jallal met Thursday with students with disabilities to hear their concerns and explore ways to improve support across university campuses, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity in higher education. “This meeting reflects the ministry’s interest in direct engagement with students with disabilities to better understand the challenges they face,” Al-Jallal said in a statement following the meeting, which also included Suad Al-Fares, President of the Kuwait Association for the Follow-up of Issues Related to the Disabled.

Al-Jallal emphasized the need for full integration of students with disabilities into the academic environment, calling it essential to advancing “justice, equal opportunity, and a culture of participation and social inclusion among all students.” While the meeting focused on immediate needs and ways to enhance services, it also comes against the backdrop of persistent accessibility gaps in public institutions. One widely reported example is the shortage of sign language interpreters, which has long impacted deaf students’ ability to follow lectures, communicate with faculty, and fully engage in academic life. Media reports and disability rights advocates have repeatedly called attention to these barriers and urged more robust, long-term solutions.

Kuwait University, through its Disabilities Department, has taken steps to address some of these challenges by employing sign language interpreters, publishing awareness videos in sign language, and offering periodic training for faculty and students. In 2022, a committee was formed to explore integrating sign language into the curriculum, though no public updates have been issued since.

During the meeting, Dean of Student Affairs at Kuwait University Dr Jassim Alhamdan reported that the university currently serves around 344 students with disabilities. He noted that the Disabilities Division provides tailored support based on individual needs and acts as a bridge between students and academic departments. Al-Fares described the session as “a proactive step toward resolving major issues,” and stressed the importance of continued coordination between the ministry, her association and academic institutions to build a more inclusive higher education system.

The meeting also follows a separate effort by Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah, who earlier this month met with United Nations officials and academic leaders to discuss national strategies for improving quality of life and access for persons with disabilities.

At Thursday’s meeting, students with disabilities shared feedback on their experiences and proposed solutions to improve academic, administrative and social support. Al-Jallal directed university departments to prepare periodic reports identifying logistical and human resource challenges, and to develop appropriate responses that ensure sustainable support for students with disabilities. — Agencies