The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has fined six pharmacies SR45,000 each for not adhering to regulations on dispensing registered medicines.

The SFDA highlighted that these pharmacies failed to make medicines available, notify the electronic tracking system about medicine accessibility, or inform the authority about anticipated shortages or discontinuation of registered supplies.

SFDA inspectors found one pharmacy not making registered pharmaceutical preparations available, three pharmacies not reporting expected shortages, and two pharmacies not maintaining adequate stocks for six months as required.

Pharmaceutical Regulations in Saudi Arabia:

Saudi law mandates that pharmaceutical establishments, including drug factories and pharmacies, must maintain stocks sufficient for six months and notify SFDA of any anticipated shortages or discontinuation at least six months in advance. They are also required to propose solutions to mitigate shortages. Penalties for non-compliance can reach SR5 million, temporary closure for up to 180 days, or revocation of the operation license.

Saudi Arabia enforces strict penalties against medical fraud and dealing in fake medical equipment. Offenders can face up to 10 years in prison and fines up to SR10 million.