KUWAIT CITY, Aug 10: The Ministry of Health has refuted claims made in a circulated video clip concerning private sector pharmacies, stressing that the video presents false information that could jeopardize the country's drug security.

The Ministry assured the public of the quality and safety of all medicines available in Kuwait, stating that they adhere to drug safety standards approved by global health systems through the pharmacovigilance system.

It clarified that the total number of private pharmacies and their various branches in the country does not exceed 600, which is significantly lower than the 2,000 pharmacies mentioned in the video.

The Ministry highlighted that, according to Kuwaiti laws regulating the pharmacy profession, private pharmacy licenses are issued by the Ministry of Health to Kuwaiti pharmacists who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and have at least 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical services. These licenses are granted to individuals, not companies.

The Ministry affirmed its commitment to enforcing the country's laws and regulations, continuing its monitoring and inspection campaigns for private pharmacies and all health institutions. It also monitors the misuse of licenses by individuals and companies, referring violators to the appropriate regulatory and legal authorities. Recently, this led to the closure of six private health facilities and the referral of seven doctors for investigation.

The Ministry emphasized that all medicines in Kuwait undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure their effectiveness, quality, and safety before they are registered and distributed. This process includes the use of the Common Technical Document (CTD) to ensure compliance with international standards. No medicine is permitted to be circulated in Kuwait unless it has been registered, tested in the Ministry of Health’s drug control laboratories, and proven to maintain its quality, safety, and stability.

Furthermore, the Ministry pointed out that most medicines in Kuwait are sourced from international manufacturers, with only 3 percent of registered medicines coming from one of the Arab countries mentioned in the video. These medicines are not allowed to be traded unless they have passed a strict control system to ensure their quality and safety.

The Ministry affirmed the integrity of its administrative and technical procedures in drug control and other health fields, prioritizing the health and safety of the nation and its citizens above all else. It also noted that it is taking all legal measures concerning the misleading video, including addressing the false information it contains, which could undermine confidence in the country's health system and drug security.