File photo of medicine in a pharmacy
Doha, Qatar: Associate at the Department of Pharmacy and Drug Control at Ministry of Public Health Dr. Latifa Al Khayat has outlined the regulatory framework governing the import and circulation of medicines in the country, emphasising its role in safeguarding patient safety and reducing pharmaceutical waste.
Dr. Al Khayat explained that one of the key requirements imposed on imported medicines is that they must have at least two-thirds of their shelf life remaining at the time of entry into Qatar.
Speaking to Al Ryan TV recently, she noted that this condition is primarily regulatory in nature and aims to ensure that medicines have sufficient time to be distributed, dispensed, and used effectively within the country.
“This requirement ensures that medicines entering the market are not close to expiry, which helps minimize waste and guarantees that patients receive safe and effective treatments,” she said. According to Dr. Al Khayat, the time needed for import procedures, customs clearance, and distribution across healthcare facilities necessitates a sufficient remaining shelf life to maintain quality and usability.
She further elaborated on the comprehensive system in place to ensure the quality and safety of medicines. This system begins even before shipments arrive in the country, requiring prior import permits based on assessed national needs and demand forecasts. Once shipments are prepared, they undergo a release authorisation process, which includes verifying compliance with regulatory standards both before and upon arrival.
Addressing concerns about medicines nearing their expiration dates, Dr. Al Khayat clarified that the issue is largely logistical rather than directly harmful to patients. Medicines with short remaining shelf lives may not be used in time, increasing the risk of wastage and placing strain on supply chains. This, in turn, can affect the consistent availability of medicines in the local market.
“The goal is to maintain a stable supply chain and ensure that patients have access to medicines for a reasonable duration, reducing the need for frequent visits to healthcare facilities,” she added.
Dr. Al Khayat also confirmed that these regulatory measures are continuously evaluated through ongoing market studies and assessments of drug availability, including monitoring shortages and urgent needs. This dynamic approach allows authorities to respond effectively to evolving healthcare demands.
