Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has introduced new regulations governing private pharmacies and the approval of new pharmacy establishments. Under Ministerial Decision No. 235/2026, a newly established private pharmacy must be located at least 1,000 metres away from existing pharmacies in all directions.
The new requirement aims to regulate the distribution and number of private pharmacies across Kuwait and improve the organisation of pharmaceutical services in different areas. By spacing pharmacies more evenly, authorities seek to ensure a more balanced availability of medicines and pharmacy services.
The distance requirement does not apply to certain pharmacies located within cooperative societies, commercial complexes, airports, universities and private hospitals. The new rules are intended to improve the overall distribution of pharmacies while ensuring residents have efficient access to essential medicines and services.
