Drug Security Measures Are Initiated By Kuwait's Ministry Of Health

In an effort to strengthen the nation's pharmaceutical capabilities, the Ministry of Health has outlined six strategic measures aimed at enhancing treatments and improving drug supplies. Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi detailed these measures in response to a parliamentary inquiry by Representative Muhalhal Al-Mudhaf.

Pharmaceutical Policy and System Development: Minister Al-Awadi stressed the importance of "establishing and activating a system for evaluating, selecting, and classifying medicines." The initiative includes the creation of a list of essential medicines that must be readily available for patients at all times. A proposal for updating the law on drug circulation and pharmacy practices is also being developed to improve drug security and introduce substitution policies.

Enhanced storage capacity: Al-Awadi highlighted the establishment of strategic warehouses in each health district, as well as additional facilities under medical warehouse management. In order to ensure adequate space for new shipments, we want to expedite medicine reception and distribution to hospitals.

Rationalizing drug usage: A program to review the use of medicines in hospitals and health centers is being developed, with a focus on linking patient health records to medicine dispensing systems. By integrating these services, waste is minimized, efficiency is enhanced, and national awareness campaigns are promoted to promote rational medicine use.

Crisis Readiness: The Ministry is developing a guide for risk and crisis management in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. Among these measures are diversifying supply sources, prioritizing unified Gulf purchasing, and prioritizing local contracting.

Supporting Pharmaceutical Research: A system for monitoring drug savings, forecasting needs, and establishing a database of national indicators is being developed. As a result, decision-makers will be able to select, price, and supply medicines more efficiently.

Administrative Developments: The Minister announced that the documentation process for drug requests and contracts will be expedited. Moreover, policies are being implemented to replace redundant and expired drugs, reclassify special order drugs, and enhance the Oracle system in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.

In response to concerns about diminishing drug stocks, the Minister explained that companies were fined for reaching zero stock levels, attributing the problem to fluctuating production rates and acquisitions. In response to low-stock items, the Ministry implements corrective measures and imposes penalties on companies experiencing supply challenges, ensuring that essential medicines are procured from health offices urgently.

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