The Ministry of Public Health has announced a new regulation requiring pharmaceutical companies to print essential information about human medicinal products in Braille on their outer packaging. This initiative aims to improve medication accessibility and safety for blind and visually impaired individuals. The implementation will be phased in gradually, with full compliance mandated by November 2027.
According to the circular, key product details—including the medicine’s name, active ingredient, and strength—must be printed in Braille in both Arabic and English. To support this, the Ministry issued the “Guideline on the Braille Requirements for Labelling Information of Medicinal Products for Human Use,” which outlines the technical and regulatory standards for adherence. The guideline is accessible via the Ministry’s website and the electronic Pharmacy and Drug Control system.
Dr. Ghanim Ali Al Mannai, Assistant Undersecretary for Healthcare Regulatory Affairs, emphasized that this measure is part of the Ministry’s broader effort to enhance medication awareness and ensure safe access for visually impaired populations. He stated that aligning with the National Health Strategy (NHS), the initiative aims to improve overall health outcomes, healthcare quality, and patient safety.
The Ministry’s Pharmacy and Drug Control Department will oversee the implementation process, monitoring compliance during product registration, renewal, and modification procedures. Regular inspections of pharmacies and drug warehouses will verify adherence during regulatory visits.
This regulation underscores the importance of Braille as an internationally recognized system for reading and writing for the visually impaired. Overall, the initiative reflects a commitment to inclusive healthcare, aligning with national health priorities to promote equitable access to vital medical information for all citizens.
Reference:
Ministry of Public Health – news details. (n.d.-b).
Ministry of Public Health Requires Pharmaceutical Companies to Print Essential Information on Medicines in Braille
https://www.moph.gov.qa/english/mediacenter/News/Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?ItemId=1052
