MPs push for Bahrainisation in public pharmacies

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain should restrict ownership of public pharmacies to Bahraini citizens, MPs have said in an urgent proposal that also calls for stronger checks on professional practice and a higher Bahrainisation rate in the sector.

The proposal asks the government to regulate the pharmacy profession and public pharmacy centres in a way that limits ownership to Bahrainis, strengthens professional oversight and increases the share of Bahrainis working in pharmacy.

MP Khalid Saleh Buanaq, one of the sponsors, said the request focuses on enforcing Article 27 of Decree-Law No. 18 of 1997 on regulating the pharmacy profession and pharmacy centres.

Licences

He said the article limits public pharmacy licences to Bahraini citizens and Bahraini companies. “This proposal is centred on reaffirming the effective enforcement of Article (27),” Buanaq said.

He said the law also requires each pharmacy to be run by a licensed pharmacist, bars a pharmacist.