Shura Council to vote on bill to liberalise Bahrain’s pharmacy sector

TDT | Manama

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Medicines are to get cheaper and easily available in Bahrain, for plans are progressing swiftly to liberalise Bahrain’s pharmacy sector.

If a new bill is approved, individuals and companies—both local and multinational—will be able to open an unlimited number of pharmacies across the Kingdom.

This change aims to eliminate queues for medicines while providing cheaper alternatives. The reform involves scrapping a decades-old rule that limits pharmacy licenses.

Shura Council members are leading the charge to remove these restrictions.

Chances for a positive outcome is high, the Services Committee has already given the proposal its approval, Next Sunday will be crucial, as on that day Shura members will deliberate whether to reject or approve the bill.

More stores, cheap drugs

Officials believe the move will expand the reach of drugstores and bring down medicine prices.

The general notion is that the new decision will foster competition, improve accessibility, and ensure fair pricing.

The Services Committee’s approval follows extensive consultations with top health officials, industry representatives, and legal advisers. The draft law proposes the removal of Article 28 of Decree-Law No. 18 of 1997.

Attracting multinationals

The Ministry of Health says the deregulation will help attract international drug firms to the Kingdom, providing Bahrainis with a wider and more affordable range of medicines.

“This shift ensures that as new cities emerge and populations grow, access to pharmacies will remain steady,” said Health Minister Dr. Jaleela bint Al Sayed Jawad Hasan.

Chamber cautious

While the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes the reforms, it has urged measures to protect local pharmacies from being overshadowed by larger players. The Chamber also highlighted the need to monitor profit margins and long-term financial impacts, calling for additional studies to ensure market stability.

It said a more open field might reduce disputes and bring in clearer ground rules.

Pharmas’ hopeful, wary

The Bahrain Pharmacists Society expressed a mix of hope and caution. The Society believes the reforms could elevate healthcare standards, create more jobs for local pharmacists, and stimulate the pharmaceutical trade.

However, they warned that fewer regulations might prioritise high-profit medicines over essential drugs, potentially harming public access. There are also concerns that large chains could dominate the market, marginalising smaller pharmacies and reducing consumer choice.