KUWAIT CITY, Jan 21: Kuwait’s Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi on Tuesday issued a ministerial decree regulating the pricing mechanism for medicines for human use in the private sector, setting permissible profit margins and prohibiting any price gouging to protect consumers.

In a press release, the Ministry of Health said Ministerial Decree No. (62) of 2026 establishes a clear legislative and regulatory framework for drug pricing, as part of efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical governance and promote fairness and transparency in the local market.

The ministry explained that the decree responds to the healthcare system’s need for a precise regulatory framework that keeps pace with economic and financial developments, while ensuring effective control of medicine prices. It aims to balance the sustainability of drug availability with consumer protection and price stability across all points of sale.

Under the decree, the responsibilities of the Drug Pricing Committee are clearly defined, including conducting studies to determine prices, proposing appropriate pricing mechanisms, reviewing prices submitted by pharmaceutical companies, and comparing them with prices in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and global markets. The committee is also tasked with monitoring approved prices, preventing any price manipulation, and taking necessary measures whenever the public interest requires.

The decision stipulates that no human medicine subject to price controls may be displayed, distributed, or sold in private pharmacies or other retail outlets unless it has been officially registered and priced by the Ministry of Health. It also requires that the approved price be clearly printed on the medication’s packaging in local currency, without altering the expiration date or batch number, and prohibits the sale of medicines except in their complete, officially priced packages.

According to the statement, the decree details requirements for drug pricing, procedures for issuing price certificates, controls governing their approval and validity periods, and mechanisms for the official announcement of approved prices. It also regulates profit margins, price review procedures, and objection and appeal mechanisms.

The ministry added that the decree adopts Gulf and international benchmarks, as well as economic studies, as key references for determining medicine prices, reflecting a comprehensive scientific and professional approach to managing drug pricing while ensuring balance among all stakeholders.

Kuwait Health Ministry issues decree regulating medicine prices in the private sector.