Minister of Health Issues Decision on Regulations and Principles for the Promotion of Drugs and Medical Products
Kuwait City, August 26 (KUNA) -- Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued a ministerial decision today, Wednesday, regarding the regulations governing promotional practices and principles for drugs and medical products, as well as the management of interactions with company representatives within the Ministry’s facilities.
The Ministry of Health stated in a press release that the decision aims to continue developing the regulatory frameworks for practices related to drugs and medical products, enhance the professional environment that supports their rational use, and regulate scientific and institutional communication channels within the Ministry’s facilities.
It added that the decision establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for dealing with companies and their representatives within the Ministry’s facilities, ensuring clarity in communication mechanisms and organizing promotional and scientific practices according to specific controls. It also ensures that information provided regarding drugs and medical products is accurate, balanced, documented, and verifiable, thereby supporting professional practice and patient safety.
The decision specifies that visits by company representatives must be scheduled in advance with the approval of the competent authority, and require a valid license to practice as a medical representative for the company. Visits are restricted to designated meeting places and medical education venues.
The Ministry emphasized that the decision prohibits communication with patients or accessing their health data, while regulating communication with technical and procurement committees through official channels.
Furthermore, the decision mandates the approval of promotional materials, ensuring their content is accurate and balanced. It prohibits promotion outside the approved scope of use (off-label), as well as the offering of gifts, personal benefits, rewards, and commissions.
The decision also regulates scientific activities and care according to the Ministry’s controls, manages pharmaceutical samples through official channels, and establishes supervisory procedures for violations based on their nature and severity. (End) M.N.M. / K.D.A.
