Minister of Health Issues Three Ministerial Decrees on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances
Kuwait, Aug 31 (KUNA) -- Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued three ministerial decisions today, Monday. The first regulates the licensing of the production and manufacture of drugs containing narcotic or psychotropic substances. The second governs the possession and dispensing of psychotropic preparations on board international commercial aircraft and ships. The third pertains to the regulation of the cultivation of narcotic plants for medical purposes and scientific research.
The Ministry of Health stated in a press release that the first decision restricts the production or manufacture of narcotic or psychotropic materials or preparations to licensed pharmaceutical factories and requires a license from the Minister. Its use is limited to procedures authorized by the Ministry, with specified requirements and documents needed to obtain production or manufacturing licenses, as well as the types and quantities of materials used and the individuals responsible for their custody.
It added that the decision establishes a comprehensive framework for registration, storage, dispensing, inventory, and tracking, while defining custody responsibility and clear procedures for handling, reporting, and addressing cases of breakage or loss. It also mandates periodic reports, inspections, and oversight to verify compliance with regulations and enhance the safety and control of the use of these materials for licensed pharmaceutical purposes.
The ministry clarified that the second decision regulates the possession and dispensing of psychotropic preparations intended for first aid and emergency cases on board international commercial aircraft and ships registered in Kuwait. It sets out comprehensive controls for their possession, dispensing, use, storage, and documentation.
It explained that the decision aims to regulate safe storage, dispensing, and documentation, define custody responsibility for the preparations, and govern the dispensing, return, or replacement of containers. It includes specific procedures for cases of loss or breakage and restricts administration to licensed practitioners or crew members trained in first aid, with the goal of enhancing readiness to handle emergencies while tightening oversight of possession and use.
The ministry noted that the third decision specifies the conditions and controls governing the cultivation of narcotic plants for medical or scientific research purposes, establishing a clear framework for licensing, oversight, documentation, and storage.
It added that the decision authorizes licensed government entities, research centers, universities, colleges, and government and private institutes specializing in this field to cultivate the plants specified in the decision, under a license from the Minister of Health, and solely for medical purposes or scientific research. It defines the requirements for obtaining a license, including the type and quantity of seeds, the purpose of cultivation, location, and duration, as well as the individual responsible for the custody of the seeds and plants.
It further explained that the decision requires securing and guarding cultivation sites, restricting access to authorized personnel, and setting specific controls for handling loss, damage, destruction of the crop, and disposal of remaining quantities, in coordination with relevant authorities. It also mandates the preparation of periodic reports and continuous oversight to ensure compliance with the licensed purpose. (End) M.N.M. / N.W.F.
