KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi on Monday issued Ministerial Resolution No 93 of 2025, approving the pricing of 69 new medicines and pharmaceutical products available in private sector pharmacies. The move is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to ensure patient safety, maintain treatment quality, and strike a balance between economic efficiency and healthcare excellence.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the decision is aligned with its broader strategy to reduce and standardize the prices of medicines, aiming to position Kuwait among the countries with the lowest drug prices in the region. The resolution follows recommendations made by the Drug Pricing Committee and underscores the ministry’s commitment to enhancing price oversight and market regulation, thereby supporting patients by lowering costs without compromising the effectiveness of treatments.

The newly approved price list encompasses a wide range of therapeutic categories. These include medications for cancer, including leukemia, as well as treatments for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases. It also covers anticoagulants, antidepressants, antiepileptics, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, asthma treatments, osteoporosis drugs, thyroid medications, dermatological preparations, Alzheimer’s and dementia treatments, obesity medications, and migraine relief drugs.

The ministry noted that this latest measure complements Ministerial Resolution No. 74 of 2023 and forms part of a series of initiatives aimed at expanding access to affordable medicine. Last week, the ministry approved a 30 percent price reduction for tirzepatide injections. Additionally, prices for 146 medicines were approved in March, following earlier reductions for over 200 medications in July 2024 and the pricing of 228 medicines in May of the same year. The Ministry of Health reiterated its ongoing commitment to equitable access to medication, alleviating the financial burden on patients, and reinforcing a sustainable and inclusive healthcare system in Kuwait. — KUNA

By Chrsitine Susan Shine

KUWAIT: The College of Life Sciences at Kuwait University (KU) hosted a pivotal lecture on Monday addressing strategic priorities for food security across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The event featured keynote speaker Gary Burniske, Managing Director of the Center for Global Food Security at Purdue University, USA and a leading expert in sustainable agriculture, resource management and international development.

Burniske underscored the vital role of research and education in enhancing agricultural productivity. “Without strong research and education, agricultural productivity cannot improve,” he stated, calling on academic institutions to lead policy development based on scientific evidence and to empower local producers through knowledge and innovation. Citing the United Nations Environment Program’s 2024 Food Waste Index Report, Burniske expressed concern over the region’s food wastage, noting that the GCC discarded approximately 1.3 million tons of food in 2022—translating into financial losses estimated between $4 to $7 billion. He further noted a significant data gap in countries such as Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.

Gary Burniske

In his address, Burniske stressed the urgency of strengthening local food production to achieve food sovereignty. He advocated for controlled-environment agriculture systems to overcome Kuwait’s natural limitations, including scarce water resources, poor soil quality, and environmental degradation. “Food security is a difficult issue here,” he remarked, pointing out that the GCC imports nearly 85 percent of its food. “This leaves the region vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic when key exporting countries imposed export restrictions on essential staples like rice.”

Referencing a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Burniske noted that Kuwait ranked second in the GCC in food import dependency, with imports reaching $5.3 billion in 2020. He encouraged investment in culturally appropriate crops and more efficient livestock practices. “Poultry presents a promising option—it offers a favorable feed-to-weight ratio, rapid growth, and is a more water-efficient and healthier alternative to beef,” he said.

Concluding his presentation, Burniske appealed to Kuwait University to expand its academic focus on agriculture. “I hope Kuwait University will consider establishing a College of Agriculture—or at least an Agronomy Department—to support these critical pillars of food security,” he urged. The event underscored the growing need for regional collaboration, data-driven strategies, and institutional support to address the multifaceted challenges of food security in the Gulf.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah hosted a luncheon at Bayan Palace on Monday in honor of Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon and the accompanying delegation, on the occasion of their official visit to the country. President Aoun and his delegation concluded their two-day official visit to Kuwait on Monday afternoon. During the visit, the Lebanese leader held official talks with His Highness the Amir, reflecting the strong and historic ties between the two brotherly nations.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah was present at Kuwait International Airport to bid farewell to the Lebanese President and his accompanying delegation. Also present to see off the Lebanese President were Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shareeda Al-Maousherji, Acting Minister of Defense and Interior Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, head of the honorary mission and Advisor at the Amiri Diwan Mohammad Abdullah Abulhasan, along with a number of senior state officials.

Before departing the country, President Aoun expressed his sincere gratitude to His Highness the Amir for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. In a letter of thanks delivered through the control tower at Kuwait International Airport, Aoun highlighted the depth of the fraternal ties between Kuwait and Lebanon. “As I leave Kuwait with the accompanying delegation, I am pleased to thank Your Highness for the warm welcome I received during my visit to your brotherly country,” the Lebanese President said. He noted that the visit reflected His Highness’s deep affection for Lebanon and its people, both those residing in Lebanon and those living in Kuwait.

President Aoun also praised the constructive and brotherly discussions he held with His Highness the Amir, underscoring Kuwait’s continued support for Lebanon and the mutual desire to enhance bilateral relations across various fields. Concluding his message, President Aoun wished His Highness the Amir continued health and wellbeing, and further success in leading Kuwait on the path of development and prosperity. — KUNA