KUWAIT CITY, Jan 15:  Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi has issued a ministerial decision aimed at regulating advertisements for pharmaceutical centers, private sector shops, and related establishments. The decision is designed to enhance integrity and transparency in the health sector, ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards and offering full protection to consumers from misleading or irresponsible marketing practices.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry explained that the decision requires all advertisements related to pharmacies, medicines, health products, nutritional supplements, and medical or cosmetic preparations—whether paid or unpaid—to obtain prior authorization from the Drug Inspection Department.

The regulation applies to all forms of advertising, including print, audio, and visual media, as well as advertisements on websites and social media platforms. The decision also prohibits the publication of prices for health products, medicines, or materials inside and outside pharmacies without the necessary approval, and it bans the promotion of discounts, offers, or installment plans unless authorized by the relevant authorities.

The decision emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and non-misleading information to consumers, forbidding the use of terms like “best,” “fastest,” or “safest” in advertising. It also prohibits the photographing or publishing of any content related to patients or practitioners inside pharmacies to protect privacy.

Additionally, the decision mandates that all advertisements must display both the Drug Inspection Department license number and the pharmacy license number. Advertisers are also required to ensure that the health and pharmaceutical content they provide is supported by scientific evidence, helping consumers make informed decisions.

The decision outlines strict penalties for violators, including potential imprisonment for up to three years or fines of up to 3,000 Kuwaiti dinars, or both, in accordance with Article 14 and Article 15 of Law No. 28 of 1996, as well as Article 73 of Law No. 70 of 2020.

The ministry emphasized that the decision marks a significant step toward protecting consumers and ensuring transparency in the private health sector. It urged all concerned parties to comply with the provisions of the decision, which will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette. The ministry called for full implementation of the decision to maintain a safe and transparent health environment that aligns with consumers' expectations and protects their rights.