28 July 2016
KUWAIT: MP Khalil Al-Saleh said his proposal to impose fees for health services presented to expats who come to the country on a visit visa, that he submitted at the start of the last parliamentary term, has been accepted by the government although it was opposed by the foreign ministry when it was discussed at the parliamentary health committee on May 23, 2016.

He said the government was convinced that the proposal is correct and a first step towards reducing the pressure on government hospitals and stop medicine wastage. Saleh said that imposing a comprehensive health policy for visitors to Kuwait will guarantee lesser squandering and preserve public funds, besides limiting the chaos in presenting treatment and activating the role of the private sector.

He said the proposal commits the sponsor who applies for a visa for an expat to attach a health policy, and based on that, the visitor receives health service in private hospitals while in the country. He said his proposal is similar to what is available in the region, stipulating that those who wish to visit to produce a health insurance policy to receive the service free of charge.

© Kuwait Times 2016