Article 9 of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Establishments Law
المادة 9 من نظام المنشآت والمستحضرات الصيدلانية والعشبية
This article bars a pharmaceutical establishment from employing pharmacists, pharmacy technicians or other health practitioners unless they are licensed to practice the profession.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
لا يجوز للمنشأة الصيدلية تشغيل الصيادلة أو فنيي الصيدلة أو غيرهم من الممارسين الصحيين ما لم يكن مرخصاً لهم بمزاولة المهنة.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 9 explained in plain English
This article places an obligation on the pharmaceutical establishment when hiring: it may not employ any of the following categories unless licensed to practice the profession:
- Pharmacists.
- Pharmacy technicians.
- Other health practitioners.
The responsibility here falls on the establishment itself. It is not enough for the employee to hold the pharmacy degree or pharmacy technician certificate mentioned in Article 1; the employee must hold a license to practice the profession before the establishment employs them. The text does not name the body that issues the practice license or its procedures.
Under Article 1, a pharmaceutical establishment is the factory, warehouse, scientific office, and drug consultation or analysis center. The rule covers all health practitioners working there, not the manager alone.
It is followed by Article 10, which limits work in promoting and informing about products to a full-time licensed Saudi pharmacist.
To see how this rule affects a particular situation, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who specializes in health and pharmaceutical regulation.
Practical example
A recent pharmacy graduate applied to work at a medicine warehouse in Riyadh and has not yet obtained a license to practice the profession. The warehouse may not employ him until he obtains this license.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 9 of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Establishments Law
Can a pharmacist who has no practice license be employed?
No. The article bars a pharmaceutical establishment from employing pharmacists unless they are licensed to practice the profession.
Does the ban cover pharmacy technicians?
Yes, and also other health practitioners.
Who is responsible for checking the license?
The text directs the ban at the pharmaceutical establishment that employs the practitioner.
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.