Latest news with #MinisterialDecision
Muscat Daily
12 hours ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
MoH tightens rules on promotion, marketing of drugs in Oman
Muscat – Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced new regulations for advertising and promoting medicines aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring ethical marketing practices in the pharmaceutical sector. Issued by H E Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, Ministerial Decision No 135/2025 outlines procedures and conditions that pharmaceutical firms, agents and consultants must follow before promoting any medicinal product in Oman. The decision was issued on May 29 and will come into effect from today. Under the new rules, only licensed pharmaceutical companies, authorised local agents and approved pharmaceutical consulting offices can advertise medicines. All advertising must be pre-approved by the Drug Safety Centre. To be eligible for a licence, the product must be registered, and the advertising content must match the approved drug leaflet and summary of product characteristics. It must clearly define the target audience and avoid any wording that could mislead consumers, exaggerate benefits, harm public health or breach public morals. 'The objective is to protect consumers from misleading information and to ensure that advertisements remain factual and within the ethical boundaries of public health,' a ministry official said. Applicants must submit a copy of the advertisement, the drug's registration certificate, proof of fee payment and any other documents requested by the centre. The Drug Safety Centre is mandated to respond within 60 days. No response within that timeframe implies rejection. If an application is found incomplete, the applicant will be given 30 days to address shortcomings. Failure to do so within that period will result in application cancellation. Licences are valid for three months and may be renewed for similar periods. Renewal requests must be submitted at least 20 days before licence expiry and will be assessed under the same terms. Advertisers must include the licence number in all materials and documentation, use only approved formats and obtain prior approval for any change. Advertising prescription-only medicines is restricted to scientific publications or at conferences and professional meetings attended by pharmacists and healthcare workers.
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait approves new regulations for school canteens
KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi has issued Decision No. 15 of 2025, officially approving a new set of school canteen regulations developed by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition. The move follows the endorsement of the Authority's Board of Directors and the Fatwa and Legislation Department, and the decision will come into effect upon its publication in the official gazette. The new decision comes nearly a year after the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition updated its regulations governing food allowed at school canteens. The regulations, issued under Ministerial Decision No 5 of 2021, allow only specific healthy foods while banning items such as processed meats, mayonnaise, caffeinated drinks, and high-salt or artificially colored products. In a statement released Thursday, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the updated regulations are part of Kuwait's broader national strategy to protect students from unhealthy dietary habits and to improve the quality of food provided in educational institutions. The aim is to create a supportive, health-conscious learning environment where student well-being is a top priority. The new framework applies to both public and private schools and outlines comprehensive standards covering facility requirements, staff qualifications, food quality, inspection protocols, licensing systems and accountability mechanisms. These provisions are designed to ensure the availability of nutritious and safe meals across all school settings. School canteens are now classified into three categories based on service type: Canteens selling only pre-packaged food items; canteens offering ready-made meals; and canteens with on-site kitchens for preparing hot meals. School canteen contractors must now meet stricter licensing criteria, including a minimum of two years of experience in food handling, possession of a valid health permit, and full compliance with safety and occupational health standards. Canteens are also required to adhere to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) technical regulations, particularly those banning trans fats. The guidelines mandate that daily meals include essential food groups and remain within set calorie limits for each school level. High-fat, high-sugar, and high-sodium foods, especially in breakfast and lunch offerings at private schools, are explicitly prohibited. The new rules standardize food services across all schools in Kuwait, aiming to promote health equity and improve regulatory oversight. Violators face financial penalties ranging from KD 500 to KD 3,000, with the possibility of suspension for repeat or unresolved breaches — highlighting the seriousness of implementation. The ministry noted that the regulations were developed through close coordination between the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition and the Ministries of Health and Education. This collaboration underscores the importance of institutional partnership in supporting student health and cultivating a safe, nourishing educational environment. — Agencies
Biz Bahrain
4 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Industry Ministry launches commercial bank account opening service
As part of its ongoing efforts to develop the business environment and enhance compliance with regulatory decisions, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced the launch of a new service in collaboration with several local banks. This service enables business owners to easily open a commercial bank account, contributing to the stability of commercial activities. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, emphasised that this step reflects the Ministry's continuous commitment to establishing a flexible, transparent, and investment-friendly business environment. It also highlights the Ministry's dedication to providing efficient services that facilitate doing business and support business owners in complying with relevant regulations. He noted that the Ministry will continue to develop more initiatives to support the national economy. The Minister added that this new service is part of an integrated set of initiatives aimed at simplifying procedures, achieving the highest levels of legislative compliance, and enhancing the efficiency of government services provided to the commercial sector, thereby boosting Bahrain's competitiveness regionally and internationally. This initiative comes in line with the implementation of Ministerial Decision (43) of 2024 regarding payment regulations for commercial transactions of business establishments, which mandates all commercial establishments to open a unified commercial bank account for their financial transactions and provide approved electronic payment methods that support transparency and digitisation in commercial activities. To simplify the process, a direct service point has been established on the second floor of the Bahrain Financial Harbour, near the Bahrain Investors Centre. Additionally, the service can be accessed online via the commercial registration system 'Sijilat' at The Ministry urges all commercial establishments to open a commercial bank account before the deadline on June 13, 2025, to ensure full compliance with the resolution and benefit from the provided facilities. For more information, please contact: [email protected] or call 80008001. BNA(R)
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
New architects association to inspire design innovation in Oman
Muscat – Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) has formally established Oman Architects Association, designating it as the country's primary professional body for architecture. The move follows Ministerial Decision No 170/2025 issued by H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed bin Awad al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, on May 22. The association is expected to play a central role in advancing the quality of architecture, urban planning, construction and public spaces in Oman. Its objectives include improving professional standards and ethics, guiding architectural practice, and encouraging innovation in design and related disciplines. It will also support architectural education, particularly among youth, and align academic programmes with national priorities and international benchmarks. In addition, the association aims to contribute to the development of regulatory frameworks governing architecture and urban development. To promote international cooperation, the association will work to connect Omani architects with counterparts abroad and facilitate their participation in global forums. Members will also have access to lectures, workshops and other professional development resources. Oman Architects Association will be governed by a ten-member board of directors, with each member serving a renewable two-year term. Membership requirements and election processes will be defined in its bylaws. Funding will be drawn from membership fees, authorised donations, revenue from its activities, government support and other sources approved by MoSD. Formation of the association marks a step towards professionalising the country's architectural sector, with a broader aim to support innovation and sustainable development in line with national and regional aspirations.
Muscat Daily
25-05-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
New regulations in Oman to enhance support for the elderly
Muscat – Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) has announced new regulations to improve care for elderly citizens living in government-run care homes. A ministerial decision issued by H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, outlines comprehensive support for care home residents, including housing, medical services, psychological care and recreational activities. The new rules, issued on May 20, will take effect starting May 26. Under Ministerial Decision No 169/2025, government-run care homes are mandated to provide a safe and supportive environment for Omanis aged 60 and older who are unable to care for themselves. MoSD will work with other authorities to manage residents' financial matters and assist in preparing wills for those legally capable. The regulations set eligibility criteria for admission. Applicants must be Omani nationals unable to manage daily life independently. Preference will be given to those without family support or whose families are unable to provide adequate care. Admission is subject to an assessment by the ministry and a medical certificate from a government health institution confirming the absence of contagious diseases or severe mental illness. MoSD reserves the right to waive certain eligibility conditions based on findings of its assessment. The new regulations also address daily operations of care homes. Residents may receive visitors and leave the facility based on the home's policy. Homes can have the services of volunteers, provided they are legally competent, of good character and medically fit as certified by a government health facility. The new regulations prohibit the publication or sharing of residents' images or personal details without written consent of the home. A resident's stay may end if they choose to leave, regain independence, experience changes in family circumstances or in the event of death. A ministry statement said the regulations reflect its 'commitment to ensuring dignified and holistic care for Oman's elderly citizens'.
