Lawyer urges MoH to cancel new health charges for expats

Lawyer Hashem Ahmad Al-Rifae submitted a grievance and an appeal to Health Minister Dr Jamal AlHarbi to cancel the new health fees to be imposed on expats.

According to Kuwait Times report, lawyer said that the decision will have negative repercussions and will harm citizens too, in addition to harming Kuwait’s reputation.

According to lawyer, the decision contradicts Kuwait’s constitution as well as laws and rules that regulate services. He added law 1/1999 doesn’t permit the health ministry to impose new fees on those included in the health assurance scheme or increase any fees.

Health Ministry issued two ministerial decrees to increase health fees paid by expatriates and visitors for using services at public hospitals and polyclinics. The new fee structure will go into effect on Oct 1.