Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued an administrative order Wednesday revoking licenses of 12 private pharmacies and referring their operators to public prosecution for violating Kuwait's Pharmaceutical Practice Law No. 28 of 1996.

Key Violations:

• Illegal management by two commercial companies instead of licensed pharmacists

• Discovery of unlicensed residential basement warehouse containing medical supplies

• Distribution of unauthorized medications

Enforcement Actions:
✓ Three-day intensive inspection campaign by Drug Inspection Department
✓ Seizure of non-compliant medications
✓ Coordinated operations with:

• Ministry of Interior

• Ministry of Commerce & Industry

• General Customs Administration

• Kuwait Municipality

• Public Authority for Manpower

Minister's Statement:
"Medication safety is a red line. These measures demonstrate our uncompromising stance against pharmaceutical violations that endanger public health."

Operational Details:

• Inspections revealed:
  ▸ Systematic bypass of licensing requirements
  ▸ Unauthorized drug distribution networks
  ▸ Violations of storage/safety protocols

Legal Process:

• Case files with inspection reports forwarded to Public Prosecution

• Potential charges include:
  ✓ Unlicensed pharmacy practice
  ✓ Illegal drug distribution
  ✓ Commercial fraud

Sector Impact:
This operation reinforces Kuwait's:

• National Drug Safety Initiative

• Interagency Pharmaceutical Compliance Framework

• 2024 Healthcare Regulation Reforms

Minister's Appreciation:
Dr. Al-Awadi commended cross-agency cooperation, urging continued field inspections to protect Kuwait's pharmaceutical system.