Kuwait: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed El-Awady has ordered the permanent closure of 12 private pharmacies after it was confirmed they were being operated by two commercial companies instead of licensed pharmacists — a clear breach of Law No. 28 of 1996, which regulates the pharmacy profession and drug distribution in Kuwait.
The Ministry of Health explained that extensive inspection campaigns by the Food and Drug Control Sector, along with other regulatory bodies, uncovered that the two companies illegally owned and managed the pharmacies. Inspectors also found an unlicensed warehouse in the basement of a residential building, storing medicines and medical supplies without Ministry approval.
A three-day inspection blitz, led by the Drug Inspection Department, uncovered numerous violations, including the seizure of unauthorized medications not approved for distribution in Kuwait. The case has been referred to the Public Prosecution, which will coordinate with relevant authorities to take legal action against those involved for practicing pharmacy without a license.
The Ministry reiterated its strict commitment to enforcing pharmaceutical laws and warned that it will not tolerate any breach of regulations. Dr. El-Awady praised the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies — including the Criminal Investigations Department, Immigration Investigations, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Customs, Public Authority for Manpower, and Kuwait Municipality — for their joint role in uncovering the violations.
The Minister called for continued cooperation and robust field inspections to safeguard public health and maintain integrity in the pharmaceutical sector.
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