KUWAIT CITY, Aug 20: A decision has been taken to terminate the role of the Health Attaché at Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva and to close the office starting from September, despite the office having been open for less than a year, informed sources told Al-Seyassah daily. According to the sources, the rent and furnishing of the residence of the Attaché cost approximately 400,000 dinars. Questions have also been raised about the five-year lease agreement for the residence.

Moreover, the sources said two cars were purchased for the Attaché at a cost of around 32,000 dinars. This led to further inquiries regarding the decision to appoint the Attaché on October 10 last year, given that he served for only 11 months, but cost the Ministry 432,000 dinars excluding his salary. The sources questioned who is accountable for these decisions that result in significant financial waste, noting that the State Audit Bureau had previously raised concerns about the residence lease.

In an official letter dated December 26 last year, a copy of which was obtained by Al-Seyassah, the Audit Bureau requested the Ministry of Health to verify the contract terms, which were made in a currency other than the Kuwaiti dinar, and ensure that the offered price aligns with prevailing rates for Kuwait’s UN Mission in Geneva.

The Bureau emphasized the importance of the Ministry taking measures that safeguard the public interest in selecting contractors and determining contract values, as well as ensuring the legal ownership of the property before signing the contract.

Al-Seyassah Special Report