Kuwait slashes cost of staying well

27/08/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 27: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi issued a ministerial decree on reducing the prices of 517 medications and pharmaceutical products. In a press statement, the Ministry of Health disclosed that through this decree, the total number of medications and pharmaceutical products covered by pricing decisions and price reductions over the past three years reached 2,760 — the lowest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The ministry stated that the new list includes a wide range of therapeutic categories, including cancer medications, modern drugs for lowering cholesterol levels, treatments for epilepsy, allergies and pain, antibiotics, antifungals and quit-smoking aids. It affirmed that the new prices are based on technical reviews and periodic price studies, comparing them with reference markets and internationally and regionally approved standards to ensure competitiveness and fair pricing. It indicated that this step is in line with the ongoing review of drug pricing policies, and that it is working hard to balance the provision of high-quality and effective medicines with ensuring fair and appropriate prices for patients.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff

Kuwait slashes cost of staying well

517 MEDICINES, PHARMA PRODUCTS NOW COVERED BY PRICE CUTS