MPs approve urgent move to end monopoly in essential medicine distribution

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Parliament approved an urgent recommendation yesterday calling for fast steps to end monopoly control over the supply and marketing of essential, life-saving medicines and to widen sourcing to strengthen national pharmaceutical security.

The proposal was put forward by MP Abdulwahid Abdulaziz Qarata, who said MPs were following the pressures linked to keeping key medicines available in the local market.

He warned that giving a sole agency or supply route for some medicines to one source can put continuity of treatment at risk, expose patients to harm, and create choke points in the medicines market that affect the buying power of both citizens and the state.

Recommendation

In its text, the recommendation cited Article 68(a) of the Constitution and Articles 127 and 128 of the Council of Representatives’ rules of procedure, which allow MPs to submit written recommendations to the Government on matters of public concern.

It described the file as having direct implications for citizens’ health and for market stability, and asked that it be placed on the chamber’s agenda for debate and a vote at the earliest opportunity.

The proposal said dependence on a single supplier can lead to shortages or interruptions if supply is disrupted for technical, logistical or commercial reasons, with knock-on effects across the Kingdom.

It also argued that limited competition can lead to unfair pricing practices and higher costs for patients, while adding pressure to public health spending.

Emergencies

MPs said the issue takes on extra weight during crises and emergencies, when access to key medicines becomes a matter of national security.

The proposal also said monopoly models can conflict with fair-competition principles and international agreements aimed at ensuring access to healthcare.

The recommendation was submitted by Abdulwahid Qarata alongside Bader Al Tameemi, Hassan Ebrahim, Mohammed Al Rifai and Jameel Mulla Hassan.