Kuwait Implements Stricter Regulations for Private Pharmacies

Kuwait City, Kuwait Aug 13, 2026 ALN: The Ministry of Health in Kuwait has recently unveiled a set of comprehensive new regulations aimed at enhancing the operational standards of private pharmacies across the nation. These regulations introduce several critical changes, including a requirement mandating that most pharmacies maintain a minimum distance of 1,000 meters from one another. This initiative is designed to improve medicine storage, prescription-dispensing controls, and overall operational standards, ultimately aiming to enhance patient safety and public health.

Stricter medicine storage: One of the most significant aspects of the new regulations is the stringent requirements for medicine storage. Pharmacies are now required to ensure that the temperature within their premises does not exceed 25°C, which is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of various medications. Additionally, refrigerated medicines must be stored at temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C. Controlled substances, which require particularly careful handling due to their potential for abuse or misuse, must be kept in secure, sealed cabinets to prevent unauthorized access.

Tighter prescription controls: In an effort to bolster the integrity of the prescription process, pharmacists are now mandated to verify both prescriptions and patient identities rigorously. They are empowered to refuse prescriptions that contain errors or lack essential information, ensuring that patients receive the correct medications. Furthermore, the new regulations stipulate that medicines and health products that have less than 30 days remaining before their expiry date cannot be sold or dispensed, thereby reducing the risk of patients receiving ineffective or potentially harmful products.

New staffing and operating rules: The regulations also introduce new staffing requirements for pharmacies. Each pharmacy must have a licensed manager, ensuring that there is a qualified individual overseeing operations. For pharmacies that employ non-Kuwaiti pharmacists, the regulations stipulate that at least one licensed Kuwaiti pharmacist must also be present. This measure is likely aimed at promoting local employment within the healthcare sector. Pharmacies that wish to operate around the clock (24 hours) are required to obtain prior approval from the Ministry and must have a minimum of three pharmacists on staff in addition to the license holder, thereby ensuring adequate supervision and service availability at all times.

Four-year licences and stronger oversight: Under the new framework, pharmacy licenses will now be valid for four years, a change from previous regulations. This extended licensing period comes with new rules that govern various aspects of pharmacy operations, including delivery, advertising, staff attendance, closure, and medicine disposal. The previous Ministerial Decision No. 237 of 2025 has been revoked, and Resolution No. 235/2026 has taken immediate effect, signaling a significant shift in how pharmacies are regulated in Kuwait.

The decision establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework that governs licensing, operational standards, medicine storage and dispensing, delivery services, professional practice, and the supervisory responsibilities of pharmacy owners, managers, and staff. This holistic approach aims to ensure that pharmacies adhere to best practices and maintain high standards of service.

Pharmacies must be 1,000 metres apart: The regulation requiring that pharmacies be situated at least 1,000 meters apart is particularly noteworthy. This distance requirement applies to all new pharmacies seeking licenses, with certain exceptions made for pharmacies located in cooperative societies, commercial complexes, airports, universities, and private hospitals. This measure is intended to reduce market saturation and ensure that pharmacies can operate sustainably without excessive competition in close proximity.

Existing pharmacies given status-settlement mechanism: In recognition of the existing pharmacies that may be affected by these new regulations, the Ministry has included a mechanism for regularizing the status of these establishments when their licenses are renewed or when their locations are transferred. Pharmacies that are ordered to relocate will be granted a period of three months to find a new suitable location, thus providing them with a degree of flexibility while ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

New medicine storage requirements: The Ministry has tightened the technical and health requirements for the storage of medicines, reinforcing the importance of proper inventory management. Pharmacies must now ensure that expired products are organized and separated from those that are still valid, minimizing the risk of dispensing outdated medications.

Pharmacy manager responsibilities defined: The regulations clearly define the responsibilities of pharmacy managers, who must be licensed and can only manage one pharmacy at a time. This stipulation is likely aimed at ensuring that managers can devote adequate attention to their pharmacy’s operations, including the custody of medicines, management of invoices, prescriptions, and oversight of staff.

Stricter controls on prescription dispensing: The new regulations specify detailed information that must be included on medical prescriptions, such as patient and doctor details, medicine names, dosages, and treatment durations. Pharmacists are now required to verify the identity of patients and ensure that prescriptions are free from errors, which is crucial for preventing medication errors that could lead to adverse health outcomes.

New rules for medicine delivery services: In a move to enhance the safety of medicine delivery, pharmacies must now obtain prior approval for delivering medicines and medical products. This includes ensuring compliance with transportation methods, maintaining temperature control, and adhering to official pricing guidelines. These measures are intended to protect patients and ensure that they receive their medications safely and effectively.

Rules introduced for pharmacy closure and stock disposal: The regulations establish clear procedures for handling medicines when a pharmacy closes, emphasizing the importance of proper inventory management and disposal methods to prevent environmental contamination and ensure public safety.

Attendance and working hours to be documented: To maintain accountability, pharmacies are now required to document the attendance of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. They must provide a monthly statement of working hours, which will help monitor compliance with staffing regulations and ensure adequate service availability for patients.

24-hour pharmacies require three pharmacists: For pharmacies that wish to operate 24 hours a day, the new regulations mandate that they must have at least three pharmacists on staff and obtain prior approval from the Ministry. This requirement is designed to ensure that pharmacies can provide continuous and reliable service without compromising on safety or quality.

The overarching aim of the Ministry’s decision is to enhance medicine and patient safety, strengthen professional compliance, and unify the requirements governing private pharmacies in Kuwait. The regulations are intended to create a more robust healthcare framework that prioritizes the well-being of patients while ensuring that pharmacies operate under stringent guidelines. Violations of these regulations will be subject to penalties as outlined in relevant laws, underscoring the seriousness with which the Ministry regards adherence to these new standards.

These new regulations are part of a broader effort to improve the healthcare framework in Kuwait, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that pharmacies operate with the highest standards of professionalism and care. By implementing these stringent guidelines, the Ministry of Health aims to safeguard public health and enhance the quality of pharmaceutical services available to the population.