Why Work as a Pharmacist in Kuwait?
Are you wondering about the benefits of working in Kuwait? With a job as a pharmacist in Kuwait one can enjoy much more than the high salaries. A pharmacist can have a vibrant lifestyle in this country. It offers modern amenities and a rich cultural experience. However, to practice and score a pharmacist job in Kuwait, you need to meet certain educational and professional criteria.
To qualify for the MOH exam and practice as a pharmacist in Kuwait, you must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification: You should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm), a Master’s degree (M.Pharm), or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D).
- Experience: A minimum of two years of experience as a pharmacist or pharmacy assistant is required. This experience must begin from the date of your degree convocation or later.
- Licensure: You must be registered as a licensed pharmacist in your home country.
Step-by-Step Registration Process for the MOH Exam
Step 1: Attest Educational Documents
The first step in your journey is to get your educational documents attested by the Government of India. This process checks and establishes that your qualifications are recognised when you apply for pharmacy jobs in Kuwait. The attestation confirms the legitimacy of your degree, making it an essential requirement for further processing.
Step 2: Obtain an Employment Letter
After the confirmation of the job and receiving an offer letter as a pharmacist or pharmacy assistant from a hospital or pharmacy in Kuwait, the next step is to obtain an employment letter. This document serves as proof of your employer’s intent to hire you and is important for the next steps in the registration process.
Step 3: Submit Documents to the Drug Inspection Authority
Once you have obtained the employment letter and attested all educational documents, your next step is to submit these to the Drug Inspection Authority located in the Sabah region. You can either do this in person or through your HR department. This step is an important part of the registration process.
Step 4: Apply for Data and Equivalency Verification
This step is one of the most crucial in the registration process. You will need to apply online for the ISVSC (International School and Vocational Studies Certificate) data verification. This process usually takes around a month and incurs a fee of 100 KD.
After the data verification, you will apply for equivalency verification with the Ministry of Kuwait. This will require you to attend an appointment at Sanabil Tower, where your documents will be reviewed. The entire equivalency verification process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.
Step 5: Complete Training and Testing
While waiting for your equivalency verification, the Drug Inspection Department will arrange a week of training at a government hospital for you. Following this training, you will need to pass a test, which is part of the verification process. The results of this test will be sent back to the Drug Control Department.
Once your equivalency is approved, you can follow up with Sanabil Tower to collect your equivalency certificate or reference number, which is crucial for the next steps.
Step 6: Schedule and Take the Exam
After your ISVSC verification is completed, you’ll submit the results to the Drug Control Committee to schedule your pharmacy exam. The exam will be conducted using an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet. Upon passing this exam, you will proceed to an oral exam, which will assess your practical knowledge and skills.
Step 7: Obtain Your Pharmacist ID Card
Upon successfully passing both the written and oral exams, the next step is to obtain your official pharmacist ID card. Visit the Kuwait Pharmacy Association (KUPHA) located in Jabriya. Here, you will need to pay a membership fee of 25 KD. Once paid, they will issue your Kuwait Pharmacist Identity Card. This will allow you to practice legally in the country.
Step 8: Process Your Electronic Pharmacy License
The final step in your registration process is to submit your KUPHA receipt to your HR department. They will handle the processing of your electronic pharmacy license with the Drug Control Department. This license will be valid for two years and will include your sponsor's name, confirming your employment in the country.
To Conclude
Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Kuwait involves several steps, from document attestation to passing the MOH exam. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the registration process with confidence. The opportunities that await you in Kuwait's thriving healthcare sector make the effort worthwhile.
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with others who may also be interested in pursuing a pharmacy career in Kuwait. Ready to embark on your pharmacy career in Kuwait? At Academically Global, we offer support throughout your journey, from exam preparation to job placement assistance. Contact us today for a free counselling session and take the first step towards a rewarding career in Kuwait!
