Pharmacies in Kuwait face closure due to regulatory breaches during a wide-ranging enforcement action.
In a bid to eradicate illegal practices in the pharmaceutical sector and ensure the safety of its citizens, Kuwait has recently shut down 20 pharmacies across various governorates for serious regulatory violations.
The latest enforcement campaign, which began under the close supervision of Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel and Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, was prompted by "clear and alarming indicators" discovered during field inspections. These indicators primarily involved pharmacies being operated or managed by unauthorized third parties, which is a violation of national healthcare laws that require licensed professionals to oversee such establishments.
This recent closure is part of an ongoing enforcement campaign that began in 2023, which previously resulted in the shutdown of 60 pharmacies for similar infractions. The government’s actions, including license revocations and legal prosecutions, have been upheld by Kuwait’s Court of Cassation, confirming the strong legal basis and zero-tolerance policy toward non-compliance in the sector.
Looking forward, Kuwaiti authorities have declared plans to continue and even intensify surprise inspections and enforcement campaigns to ensure full compliance. They have urged pharmacy owners and investors to adhere strictly to licensing regulations, emphasizing that maintaining safe, legal, and trustworthy healthcare services is a national priority.
In summary:
- Recent closures: 20 pharmacies shut down in July 2025 for unauthorized third-party management and other violations.
- Past actions: 60 pharmacies closed in a similar 2023 campaign.
- Legal backing: Court of Cassation upheld the government’s right to revoke licenses.
- Leadership involvement: Direct supervision by high-level ministers.
- Future plans: Continued intensified inspections with zero tolerance for violations.
- Enforcement measures: License revocations, legal prosecutions, and immediate closures.
This ongoing crackdown demonstrates Kuwait's firm commitment to eradicating illegal practices in its pharmaceutical sector and restoring public confidence in healthcare services. Surprise inspections are expected to continue in the coming weeks, underscoring the government's unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare for its citizens.
The government's commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens extends to the health-and-wellness sector, as shown by the ongoing crackdown on illegal practices in the pharmaceutical sector. This dedication to science-based healthcare is evident in the recent closure of 20 pharmacies for unauthorized management, a violation of national laws governing healthcare establishments.
