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.
