Ministry of Commerce Bans Cash Transactions Exceeding 10 KD in Private Health Facilities

Tareq Araabi The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Decision No. 110 of 2026 regarding the prohibition of cash transactions for companies owning licensed private health facilities for certain activities. The decision stipulates that no cash transactions exceeding 10 dinars shall be conducted when collecting health service fees. The decision mandates that all companies owning hospitals, medical centers, clinics, home health care facilities, and other private health facilities licensed by the Ministry of Health must process all payments exceeding 10 dinars through banking channels or electronic payment methods approved by the Central Bank of Kuwait, in compliance with the relevant regulatory instructions. The decision further indicated that, without prejudice to any measures or penalties stipulated in relevant laws, the penalties outlined in Law-Decree No. 10 of 1979 shall be applied to non-compliant facilities, including the closure of the facility and its referral to the competent investigative authorities to take the necessary legal actions. The decision also stipulated the repeal of any provision or clause conflicting with its provisions, with effect from July 13, 2026, the date of its issuance.