Health Ministry shuts down 12 private pharmacies citing legal violations
In a decisive move to uphold the integrity of Kuwait’s pharmaceutical sector, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi has ordered the permanent revocation of licenses and closure of 12 private pharmacies after it was found they were illegally operated by two commercial companies, rather than the licensed pharmacists themselves — a direct violation of Law No. 28 of 1996, which governs the pharmacy profession and the distribution of medicine.
The Ministry of Health explained in an official statement that extensive inspection campaigns carried out by the Food and Drug Control Sector, in collaboration with various national regulatory agencies, uncovered that these pharmacies were being managed in breach of legal and professional standards.
It was further discovered that one of the companies was operating an unlicensed medical warehouse in the basement of a residential building. The warehouse was illegally storing medicines and medical supplies, which were then supplied to the 12 pharmacies without any authorization from the Ministry of Health.
The Drug Inspection Department, part of the Ministry’s Drug Control Sector, launched a comprehensive inspection over three consecutive days. The campaign targeted the pharmacies, the two companies, and the unauthorized warehouse.
According to the Ministry, multiple serious violations were documented, including the seizure of medicines not approved for circulation in Kuwait.
Based on the findings and reports, the violators have been referred to the Public Prosecution, which is expected to liaise with the relevant national authorities to pursue legal action against them and the entities found to be practicing the profession without a valid license.
The Ministry emphasized that this action is part of its zero-tolerance policy aimed at ensuring all private pharmacies strictly adhere to national laws and pharmaceutical safety standards. It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and warned that it will take firm legal action against any entity found in violation of pharmaceutical regulations.
Minister Al-Awadhi commended the collaborative efforts of several government institution involved in the investigation and enforcement process, including the Drug Inspection Department, General Department of Criminal Investigations, General Department of Immigration Investigations, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, General Administration of Customs, Public Authority for Manpower, and Kuwait Municipality inspectors, among others.
He called for the continuation of joint field inspections and effective coordination between agencies to prevent future violations, safeguard the public, and preserve the integrity of Kuwait’s pharmaceutical system.
