KUWAIT CITY, Nov 6: Developing an advanced local pharmaceutical industry is a cornerstone of Kuwait’s healthcare “flexibility” and resilience strategy, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Wednesday, underscoring its role in ensuring medical self-sufficiency and preparedness for future crises.

In a statement following his visit to Al-Shifa Pharmaceutical Factory, owned by the Kuwait-Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries Company (KSP), Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized that enhancing domestic pharmaceutical production is a joint effort between the public and private sectors aimed at boosting innovation, reinforcing supply chains, and providing effective and safe medicines for citizens and residents.

The minister stated that the Ministry of Health remains committed to creating a regulatory and investment-friendly environment that stimulates pharmaceutical production in line with international standards, thereby supporting Kuwait’s regional competitiveness in this vital sector.

“The development of local pharmaceutical manufacturing represents a crucial step toward achieving adequate medical supply and advancing Kuwait’s Vision 2035 development goals,” Dr. Al-Awadhi said, highlighting plans to open new factories and expand production capacity by relying on the expertise and competence of national healthcare professionals.

The Al-Shifa Pharmaceutical Factory, scheduled to begin operations in March 2026, is among the projects intended to strengthen Kuwait’s pharmaceutical output and ensure sustainable drug security. The minister’s tour was accompanied by Assistant Undersecretary for Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Affairs, Engineer Khaled Al-Yassin, as well as several ministry officials and stakeholders in pharmaceutical development.

During the visit, Dr. Al-Awadhi reviewed operational preparations, automated production lines, research and development laboratories, quality control systems, and the factory’s opening timelines. He also examined training programs aimed at empowering national talent in pharmaceutical, engineering, and technical disciplines.

The Ministry’s statement noted that this visit is part of a broader strategy to localize the pharmaceutical industry and consolidate the foundations of national pharmaceutical security by establishing a robust domestic production base capable of ensuring steady medical supplies.

Dr. Al-Awadhi stressed the need to continue implementing operational preparations according to schedule and to expand future production lines to include a wider range of essential medicines. Such efforts, he noted, would bolster Kuwait’s pharmaceutical sustainability and elevate its global standing in healthcare innovation.

The minister concluded that strengthening the local pharmaceutical industry is not only vital for public health but also for national resilience — ensuring Kuwait remains prepared for emergencies while advancing toward the objectives of the “New Kuwait 2035” vision.