{
  "id": 16070302,
  "title": "Health Ministry: Prescription reviews and medication safety are core pharmacist duties",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/health-ministry-prescription-reviews-and-medication-safety-are-core",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-22T16:15:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665650/saudi-arabia/health-ministry-prescription-reviews-and-medication-safety-are-core-pharmacist-duties"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of Health in Riyadh has emphasized that reviewing prescriptions and ensuring medication safety are fundamental duties of pharmacists. It highlighted the importance of adhering to professional standards and utilizing appropriate channels when raising concerns about treatment plans. This was communicated through the ministry's \"937\" account on the \"X\" platform, referencing Article 23 of the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions. According to this law, pharmacists are prohibited from dispensing medication if they suspect any errors in the prescription. In such situations, clarification must be obtained from the prescribing physician before taking any action.\n\nThe ministry clarified that pharmacists are not allowed to modify the contents of a prescription without the approval of the prescribing physician, while still respecting regulatory exceptions that may permit the dispensing of equivalent medication alternatives. It also underscored the significance of healthcare professionals maintaining professional ethics in their interactions. Article 24 of the law mandates that healthcare practitioners cooperate and maintain mutual trust, while prohibiting disparagement or abuse of colleagues. Discussions regarding treatment-related observations must be based on scientific principles and carried out with professional respect through appropriate channels. This approach ensures patient safety and fosters trust between the healthcare team and patients.\n\nThe ministry stressed that any violation of these professional obligations could result in disciplinary action, as per applicable regulations and bylaws.",
  "summary": "RIYADH — The Ministry of Health has affirmed that reviewing prescriptions and verifying medication safety are among the pharmacist’s core responsibilities. It emphasized the need to adhere to professional standards and use appropriate channels when raising concerns about treatment to ensure patient safety and foster trust among healthcare team members.The ministry said, through its “937” account…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Health Ministry calls for dedicated funding amidst rising maternal deaths",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/22/health-ministry-calls-for-dedicated-funding-amidst-rising-maternal",
        "published": "2026-10-22T17:37:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}