Decision to waive cancer medication fees for expats issued

Kuwait: Health Minister Dr Hilal Al-Sayer recently issued a decision to waive cancer medication fees for expatriates with valid residency permits, reports Al-Seyassah daily quoting sources.


Sources explained the expatriates will no longer be required to pay for cancer diagnosis and treatment in all hospitals and medical centers, provided they are legal residents in the country.

Sources said the minister also formed a committee to handle infection control issues in health areas. Sources disclosed the panel will study the spread of infections and propose ways to control them.

On the other hand, Al-Watan Arabic daily has reported that Al-Sayer also issued a decision exempting Bedouns from paying fees for medical service in public health institutions, as long as they have valid identification cards from the Executive Committee for the Affairs of Illegal Residents (Bedouns).

Al-Sayer also ordered the distribution of medicines to Bedouns, similar to those given to Kuwaitis, in accordance with decision number 365/1997. These decisions are part of the humanitarian measures being taken to end the suffering of Bedouns.

According to Assistant Undersecretary for Financial Affairs Mohammad Al-Azmi, the decision entails cancellation of fees for health insurance, as well as services offered in hospitals and health centers.

In another development, Al-Azmi denied rumors on complaints with regards to the payment of financial incentives for consultant physicians tasked to train students in the College of Medicine. He also denied allegations that the academicians in the college appointed to some public hospitals have complained about non-payment of their incentives. He affirmed the academicians receive their financial rewards on time, while the consultants are paid through the college after obtaining approval from the Kuwait University (KU).
ArabTimes