Imported medicines must have at least two-thirds of their shelf life remaining, ensuring patients consistently receive safe and high-quality treatments, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has stressed.
MoPH has issued a new circular for pharmaceutical suppliers stressing that the imported drugs and medicines must have at least two thirds of their validity remaining unless there is an official exemption from this condition granted by MoPH Pharmacy and Drug Control Department.
The move aims to strengthen drug safety standards, prevent the buildup of near-expiry medicines, and improve the management of the country’s strategic pharmaceutical stock. Exceptions will apply only in cases of severe shortages or emergencies, where life-saving medicines may still be imported with shorter shelf lives. Besides, MoPH will issue a detailed guidebook of such exemptions that will be available on its website.
The concerned entities have urged all suppliers and distributors to comply, noting that regular inspections will be carried out to enforce the policy. In the meantime, the measure is designed to protect consumers, reduce waste, and further enhance Qatar’s evolving healthcare regulatory system.