The Ministry of Health in Kuwait has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 235 of 2026, introducing a new regulatory framework for the licensing and operations of private-sector pharmacies and the handling and storage of medicines.
The Resolution covers the full lifecycle of a pharmacy, from opening and licensing through to renewal, relocation, temporary closure, reopening and permanent closure. It also sets requirements for the day-to-day operation of pharmacies, including storage of medicines, record-keeping, prescription dispensing, home delivery and advertising.
Key Requirements
Licensing and pharmacy operations
The Resolution regulates the requirements applicable to private pharmacies operated by Kuwaiti pharmacists, cooperative societies, private companies and private hospitals.
It also establishes professional and operational controls governing the day-to-day operation of pharmacies, the attendance of pharmacists and the handling of medicines and medical products.
Storage, records and product controls
The Resolution sets requirements covering, amongst other things:
- Storage and display of medicines and health products;
- Appropriate temperature and refrigeration conditions;
- Record-keeping and inventory controls;
- Sourcing products through authorised channels;
- Retention of invoices and supporting documentation;
- Handling of expired or otherwise unsuitable products;
Pharmacists and dispensing of prescriptions
The Resolution regulates pharmacists’ attendance and working arrangements and establishes requirements for dispensing prescriptions, including the information that prescriptions and dispensing labels must contain.
Home delivery and advertising
The Resolution regulates home delivery services for pharmaceutical products and the advertising of products and services by private pharmacies. Both activities are subject to specified Ministry of Health requirements and approvals.
Violations of the Resolution are subject to the penalties and administrative sanctions contained in Law No. 70 of 2020 concerning the practice of the medical profession and allied professions, patients’ rights and healthcare establishments, and Law No. 28 of 1996 regulating the pharmaceutical profession and the handling of medicines.
The Resolution repeals Ministerial Resolution No. 237 of 2025 on controls and procedures for licensing pharmacies in the private sector.
The Resolution took effect upon its issuance and publication in the Official Gazette, on 16 August 2026.
What this means for Private Pharmacies
The new requirements go beyond the licensing of pharmacies. They also cover how pharmacies manage medicines and products, maintain records, dispense prescriptions, provide delivery services and advertise their products and services.
Private pharmacies and healthcare operators should review their current operating arrangements to identify any changes needed to meet the new requirements.
How ASAR Can Help
ASAR regularly advises clients on the legal and regulatory framework governing the pharmaceutical, life sciences and healthcare sectors in Kuwait.
Our team can assist with reviewing licensing and operating arrangements and can advise on regulatory compliance requirements applicable to pharmacies and healthcare providers.
For further information on the regulation of the pharmaceutical, life sciences and healthcare sectors in Kuwait, please contact Akusa Batwala or email asar@asarlegal.com
