KUWAIT CITY, July 27: MP Khalil Saleh said the government has approved his proposal to impose fees for health services provided to foreigners who entered Kuwait on visit visa. According to the lawmaker, he submitted the proposal at the beginning of the previous legislative round but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed reservations when it was discussed in the parliamentary Health Affairs Committee meeting on May 23, 2016.

He affirmed the government endorsed the proposal after being convinced that it is a step in the right direction, especially in terms of easing pressure on public hospitals and preventing the wastage of medicines.

He explained the proposal stipulates that the sponsor, who applies for a visit visa for a foreigner, must attach to the application form a comprehensive health insurance policy obtained from a licensed insurance company.

Based on this insurance, the visitor can avail of health services in private hospitals for free during his stay in the country, he added. He pointed out his proposal is similar to the current practice in other countries in the region, hoping this will greatly contribute to the revitalization of work in private hospitals and to stop the misappropriation of public funds.

He disclosed the Council of Ministers has instructed the Ministry of Health to coordinate with its Interior and Foreign Affairs counterparts, as well as the Public Authority for Manpower, in studying a suggestion to require foreigners to undergo medical checkup prior to their arrival in Kuwait. He said the concerned authorities have agreed in this regard and the necessary procedures will be carried out through an electronic link between these authoritiesBy Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff