MPs Seek Bahraini-Only Ownership of Public Pharmacies

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. 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 from running more than one pharmacy at the same time, and requires a licensed pharmacist to be present throughout opening hours.

Buanaq said the aim was to ensure the competent authorities apply these rules accurately, protecting Bahrainis’ right to invest in the trade while ensuring safe, professional pharmacy services for citizens and residents.

The proposal also calls for regular inspections of those working in pharmacies, and checks that staff meet the required legal and professional conditions.

‘The proposal also stresses the importance of regular inspections of workers in the pharmacy sector and verifying that they meet professional and legal requirements,’ Buanaq said, adding that this would support the quality of health services and protect public health.

He said the request also supports efforts to increase the share of Bahrainis employed in the health sector, particularly in pharmacy, and would help create specialist job opportunities for citizens in a field linked to public health.

In their written reasoning, the sponsors said public pharmacies are basic health facilities used daily by the public, which makes it essential that they are run under clear legal and professional rules to ensure the safe handling of medicines and good service. They said restricting ownership to Bahrainis is a legislative policy meant to support citizens’ investment in the sector and back the national economy, and called for firm checks to prevent any direct or indirect attempts to get around it.