LOC16:22
13:22 GMT
KUWAIT, Dec 15 (KUNA) -- Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi announced on Monday issuing four ministerial decisions regarding combating drugs and psychotropic substances and regulating their use and trafficking.
This came as an extension of the state's approach to establishing an integrated legislative system that protects society and enhances health security.
In a press release, the Ministry of Health said that the first decision stipulates that Al-Sulaibiya Youth Center building be designated as a specialized center for the rehabilitation and treatment of addiction patients, in implementation of the provisions of Article (3) of Decree Law No. 159 of 2025, to be named "Addiction Rehabilitation Center."
This will be in confirmation of the state's keenness to adopt an integrated treatment path for addiction patients based on specialized health care and psychological and social rehabilitation which enhances recovery opportunities and contributes to the reintegration of recovering individuals into society within a safe and organized therapeutic environment.
It added that the second decision was intended to establish a precise regulatory framework for approving reports and medical prescriptions related to narcotic substances and psychotropic drugs for those arriving from outside the country as it allows the entry of specific quantities for personal treatment within controlled time periods, provided that medical reports or prescriptions approved by official Kuwaiti authorities abroad are submitted, either through written attestation or via approved electronic means.
It noted that the third decision regulates the use and trade of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within licensed governmental and private health facilities, establishing clear controls that include the requirement to obtain a prior license for import, export, or transport, and regulating the prescription and dispensing of these preparations medically according to approved standards and specific quantities.
In addition to obligating licensed entities to document the movement of incoming and outgoing supplies in official records within specific time periods, and regulating the possession of some of these materials by doctors in emergency situations and the frameworks for their handling in hospitals, health centers and research laboratories.
Furthermore, the ministry stated that the fourth decision establishes a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for the mechanism of admitting addicts or drug users to addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers, whether through the patient's own initiative, a report from their family or employer, or a decision from the competent health authorities.
This will be while emphasizing the confidentiality of procedures and protecting the privacy of cases. The decision stipulated the organization of reporting procedures, the role of the Public Prosecution and law courts in detention instead of initiating criminal proceedings or imposing penalties, and the determination of detention periods not exceeding three months by decision of the Public Prosecution or one year in the case of a judicial ruling, with the possibility of early release in the event of recovery based on an approved medical report.
The Ministry of Health affirmed that these four decisions represent an integrated regulatory set and reflect the state's keenness to protect society from the dangers of drugs and psychotropic substances while ensuring the right of patients to safe and organized treatment and enhancing the public health system in accordance with the highest professional and legislative standards. (end)
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