PM Salam announces measures to tighten oversight of biosimilar medicines
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced four measures to strengthen pharmaceutical oversight, investigate suspected irregularities and safeguard patients against potentially ineffective biosimilar medicines.
Responding to public and media concerns, Salam stressed that protecting public health was a fundamental state responsibility.
He said the measures include a judicial investigation into biosimilar medicines imported under exceptional authorizations since 2018, amid concerns over inadequate scientific assessments.
The Health Ministry has also suspended the circulation of biosimilars imported from countries lacking internationally recognized manufacturing accreditation, a decision endorsed by the Cabinet.
Additionally, the ministry is working with the World Health Organization to modernize drug registration standards and review existing biosimilars.
Salam confirmed that authorities had raided pharmaceutical warehouses and seized noncompliant medicines under judicial supervision.
He pledged accountability for proven violations, stressing that patient safety and combating corruption remained non-negotiable government priorities.
