Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has introduced stricter regulations governing pharmaceutical promotion and the activities of medical representatives in hospitals and clinics under the ministry. The new rules were issued through Ministerial Decision No. 296 of 2026 by Health Minister Dr Ahmed Al-Awadhi, with the aim of ensuring transparency in medicine promotion and maintaining ethical standards in the healthcare sector.
Under the new regulations, all promotional information about medicines must be accurate and supported by scientific evidence. Pharmaceutical companies are prohibited from using claims such as “the best” or “the safest” without scientific evidence. Promotional materials and electronic advertisements must also receive prior approval from the Ministry of Health, while potential side effects and risks must be clearly disclosed.
Strict Rules for Medical Representatives
Medical representatives must obtain a special permit from the Pharmaceutical Inspection Department to operate in Ministry of Health facilities. The permit must be renewed annually, and representatives without a valid permit will not be allowed to work in government healthcare institutions.
Representatives must also obtain prior permission before entering hospitals. Access to wards, operating theatres, emergency departments and patient rooms is prohibited. They are also not permitted to communicate directly with patients or their family members.
No Gifts or Benefits for Healthcare Workers
The regulations prohibit pharmaceutical companies from offering doctors or other healthcare professionals money, gifts, entertainment trips or other benefits. Representatives are also prohibited from offering any promises or incentives in exchange for prescribing or purchasing medicines.
Measures have also been introduced to prevent attempts to influence members of committees responsible for medicine procurement and tenders.
New Rules for Medicine Samples
Medicine samples cannot be distributed directly by representatives. Instead, they must be supplied through official channels designated by the Ministry. Samples must clearly carry the words “Free Sample” in both Arabic and English.
Companies and representatives found violating the regulations may face disciplinary and legal action. Providing false information or attempting to influence officials will be treated as serious violations and could result in measures including cancellation of permits.
Companies and medical representatives have been given a three-month grace period to comply with the new requirements. The regulations will come fully into force following their publication in the official gazette.
