In a significant move to regulate the use and circulation of psychotropic substances, the Ministry of Health has made the decision to halt the dispensing and sale of Lyrica, a medication containing Pregabalin and Gabapentin, in private pharmacies and private hospital pharmacies. This decision follows a recommendation from the Joint Committee for Coordinating Work in Implementing the Provisions of Laws No. 74 of 1983 and 48 of 1987, which focuses on combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi, issued a ministerial decision that transfers Pregabalin and Gabapentin from Table No. 4 to Table No. 2. Previously, substances and preparations listed in Table No. 4 could be dispensed in both government and private sectors, while Table No. 2 restricts dispensing to Ministry of Health facilities only. This decision was made in response to a noticeable increase in the prescription of these substances in certain private sector institutions.
It is important to note that the Minister of Health had previously issued another decision that required the establishment of a central electronic system supervised by the Ministry. This system monitors the recording of prescriptions for psychotropic substances and preparations dispensed from private sector pharmacies. Additionally, private sector pharmacies authorized to trade in psychotropic substance preparations were required to register in the electronic system, following the designated conditions and procedures outlined in the decision.
Following the recent decision, the Minister of Health has requested all pharmacies to immediately cease dispensing and selling prescriptions for preparations containing Pregabalin and Gabapentin in private pharmacies and private hospital pharmacies. This directive will take effect as soon as the first decision is published in the Official Gazette. Affected pharmacies have been granted a grace period of two weeks from the publication of the first ministerial decision to return or destroy any seized quantities of preparations containing the two aforementioned substances.
To ensure compliance, the Drug Inspection Department has been authorized to seize the available quantities in private sector pharmacies. The intention is to either return them to the source (the local agent) or destroy them following the approved mechanism outlined by the Ministry of Health. This process must be completed within one month from the publication of the first ministerial decision.
The Assistant Undersecretary for Pharmaceutical Control Affairs has been assigned the task of submitting a detailed report on the implementation of these measures. The decision to halt the dispensing and sale of Lyrica in private pharmacies is aimed at ensuring the proper regulation and control of psychotropic substances. It aligns with the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Board of the United Nations and the Joint Committee responsible for enforcing laws related to narcotics and psychotropic substances.
By implementing these measures, the Ministry of Health is taking proactive steps to address the increasing prescription and circulation of psychotropic substances. This decision not only reinforces the importance of proper regulation and control but also emphasizes the commitment to international standards and cooperation in combating the misuse and abuse of such substances.
It is crucial for all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and the general public, to be aware of these regulatory changes. By working together, we can ensure the safe and responsible use of medications while protecting public health and well-being.
Source: TimesKuwait
