KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi issued a ministerial decision regulating the pricing mechanism for medicines in the private sector, as part of efforts to enhance pharmaceutical governance and uphold principles of fairness and transparency in drug pricing. The ministry of health said in a press statement that decision no. 62 of 2026 responds to the need for a precise regulatory framework that keeps pace with economic and financial changes and ensures price control in the local pharmaceutical market.
The decision aims to balance the sustainability of medicine availability, consumer protection and price regulation across all points of sale. The statement explained that the decision defines clear responsibilities for the drug pricing committee, including conducting studies to determine prices, proposing appropriate pricing mechanisms, reviewing prices submitted by companies, comparing them with prices in GCC countries and global markets and monitoring approved prices to prevent overpricing and take necessary measures in the public interest.
It emphasized that no human medicine subject to pricing may be displayed, traded or sold in private pharmacies or other outlets unless it is registered and priced by the ministry of health. The decision also mandates clearly displaying the approved price on the medicine package in local currency, without altering expiry dates or batch numbers, and prohibits selling medicines except in their officially priced full packages.
The decision further outlines detailed requirements for pricing submissions, price certificates, validity periods, profit margins, price review procedures, and objection mechanisms, reflecting a comprehensive, professional, and science-based approach to managing medicine pricing. — KUNA
