Court upholds closure of 60 pharmacies run illegally by non-pharmacists
Dr. Al-Awadhi vows ‘Zero tolerance for violations of medical and pharmaceutical professions’
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi affirmed on Thursday that the Ministry will take a zero-tolerance approach toward any violations that harm the integrity of the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
He stressed that the Ministry remains committed to enforcing regulatory and legal measures that uphold the professionalism and independence of pharmaceutical work and protect public trust in the healthcare system.
In a press statement, Dr. Al-Awadhi welcomed the Court of Cassation’s recent rulings, which upheld the Ministry’s 2023 decisions to revoke and shut down licenses of multiple violating pharmacies, reports Al-Rai daily.
“These rulings are a clear victory for the Pharmacy Law and its executive regulations, and they reinforce the rule of law,” he said. The Court’s decisions supported action taken by the Ministry against 60 pharmacies found in blatant violation of legal provisions — particularly operating under unauthorized management or ownership structures.
Dr. Al-Awadhi explained that the law strictly prohibits transferring or exploiting a pharmacy license, which is personal and granted exclusively to licensed pharmacists.
He emphasized that the verdict sends a strong message to anyone considering violations of healthcare regulations. The Ministry, he affirmed, will continue to fulfill its oversight responsibilities with transparency, integrity, and a focus on public interest.
