Kuwait cuts prices of over 200 medicines in private sector

• The Ministry of Health slashes prices for vital medications like blood pressure and diabetes treatments, antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood thinners, and anticonvulsants, with reductions exceeding 60% in some cases compared to previous prices.

• The ministry’s decision is scheduled to take effect three months after its publication in the Official Gazette, providing the private health sector with ample time to prepare and implement the required reductions.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi, the Minister of Health, has issued a ministerial decision approving a list of price reductions for 209 medicines and pharmaceutical preparations in the private health sector, as part of the regular review of their prices, according to the Al Rai newspaper.

This decision, which includes reducing prices for medications treating blood pressure, diabetes, antibiotics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood thinners, anticonvulsants, and other vital medications, is based on a report by the Drug Pricing Committee.

The committee conducted a comprehensive review of drug prices to ensure a balance between providing medications at reasonable prices and supporting the national pharmaceutical industry.

The price reductions for some medications exceed 60% compared to previous prices. The decision aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and ensure they have access to necessary medications at reasonable prices.

This decision is scheduled to take effect three months after its publication in the Official Gazette, providing the private health sector with ample time to prepare and implement the required reductions. The decision also mandates the addition of the medicines and preparations listed to Ministerial Resolution No. 74 of 2023, ensuring comprehensive and integrated efforts in this regard.

The Drug Pricing Committee plays a pivotal role in reviewing and updating prices periodically, reflecting the Ministry of Health’s ongoing commitment to improving the healthcare system, meeting citizens’ needs for medicines at reasonable prices, and reducing medical costs for patients.