Pharmacists decry decision not to issue licenses for private pharmacies

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KUWAIT CITY, Jan 16:  Pharmacists are expressing dissatisfaction with the decision to halt the issuance of licenses for private pharmacies, considering it both unlawful and poorly thought out. The move, which came after the government’s resignation, is viewed as arbitrary and harmful to the private pharmacy sector in Kuwait, reports Al-Rai daily.

Several pharmacists, including Mubarak Al-Ajmi, Farah Sadiq, Khaled Al-Mutairi, and Shaima Abdul-Hussein, have raised concerns about the decision’s legality, emphasizing that it violates professional regulations.

They argue that nothing in the law prevents Kuwaiti pharmacists from obtaining licenses, provided all conditions are met, and it contradicts the state’s efforts to encourage private sector initiatives.

Pharmacists believe the decision poses risks to pharmaceutical security, the welfare of Kuwaiti citizens, and the pharmacists themselves. They question the rush to implement such measures, particularly in light of ongoing legal battles where pharmacists affected by closure decisions have won lawsuits against the ministry.

Mubarak Al-Ajmi criticized the decision as unjust and part of a series of arbitrary measures against private pharmacies, pointing to the cancellation of licenses for around 63 pharmacies.

He highlighted the potential financial repercussions for the ministry due to compensations demanded by affected pharmacists.

Farah Sadiq questioned the necessity of such a decision, especially when efforts are underway to draft new legislation regulating the pharmacy profession.

She called for a reconsideration of the decision, stressing its adverse impact will be not only on Kuwaiti pharmacists but also on the overall health sector.

Khaled Al-Mutairi labeled the decision as random and poorly considered, expressing disappointment with the lack of support for the private pharmaceutical sector.

He emphasized the detrimental effects on pharmacists’ ambitions and the potential strain on government sector pharmacies amid existing medication supply challenges.

Shaima Abdul-Hussein criticized the decision as confusing and questioned its timing, considering ongoing efforts to evaluate private pharmacies.

She highlighted the need for medical services in new residential areas, emphasizing the negative impact on Kuwaiti citizens and pharmacists.

Pharmacists are urging the Minister of Health to reconsider the decision, emphasizing the importance of supporting and encouraging the private pharmacy sector without compromising the livelihoods of pharmacists.

They hope for a comprehensive study to develop the pharmacy profession while preserving the rights of those in the field.

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