Ministry of Health: Amendments to the requirements and regulations for cosmetic surgeries and interventions in the public and private sectors

Abdulkarim Al-Abdullah: Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued a ministerial decision regarding the amendment of the requirements and regulations necessary for performing cosmetic surgeries and interventions in both the public and private sectors.

The Ministry of Health stated in a press release that the decision establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for practicing cosmetic surgeries and interventions by defining the medical specialties authorized to perform them, the qualification levels and experience required for physicians, and the scope of procedures permitted for each specialty. This aims to ensure that these procedures are carried out within the limits of specialization and professional competence.

The ministry clarified that the decision regulated the use of “lasers” by nursing staff, stipulating that they must hold a license and approved training, and that the procedure must be conducted under the supervision of a specialist physician. It also requires the physician to examine the patient before each session, calibrate the device standards, and document the assessment and informed consent.

Furthermore, the decision adopted updated lists of cosmetic surgeries and interventions across specialties including plastic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT), general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and vascular surgery. It introduced additional requirements for certain advanced procedures, including specialized qualifications, practical experience, and approved training fellowships, depending on the nature of the procedure.

The ministry noted that the decision mandated psychological evaluation prior to cosmetic surgeries for cases exhibiting symptoms or psychological disorders, based on an approved psychiatric report assessing the patient’s stability, decision-making capacity, and suitability for the intervention.

It added that the decision outlined mechanisms for handling complications arising from cosmetic surgeries in both the public and private sectors, as well as responsibilities for follow-up, treatment, documentation, and reporting in accordance with prevailing systems and regulations. This aims to enhance clarity regarding professional responsibilities and ensure continuity of patient care.

Additionally, Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadi issued Ministerial Decision No. (231) of 2026 regarding the establishment of the Joint Committee for Regulating the Veterinary Medicine Profession and Supporting Veterinary Professions, Licensing Veterinary Facilities, and Supervising Veterinary Preparations.

The committee includes representatives from the pharmaceutical control, public health, health licensing, and legal affairs sectors of the Ministry of Health, alongside representatives from the General Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fisheries, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, and the University of Kuwait. This composition aims to strengthen technical, regulatory, and supervisory integration among relevant entities.

The committee is tasked with establishing a comprehensive coordinating and regulatory framework for the veterinary sector, reviewing the legislative and regulatory frameworks governing the practice of the profession, and studying the requirements and procedures for licensing clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and other veterinary facilities. It will also define the jurisdictions of concerned authorities and coordination mechanisms among them.

Moreover, the committee will study mechanisms for the registration, import, release, circulation, storage, dispensing, and possession of veterinary drugs, vaccines, and preparations, aiming to enhance their quality, safety, efficacy, and rational use. It will also regulate the handling of restricted veterinary drugs and narcotic and psychotropic preparations in accordance with relevant laws and decisions.

The committee’s scope of work includes establishing mechanisms for information exchange, license verification, and product registration; organizing joint inspection tours and campaigns; and unifying mechanisms for monitoring, controlling violations, and referring them to competent authorities. This aims to prevent duplication of procedures and achieve integrated supervision.

The committee is also responsible for regulating advertising and promotion of veterinary drugs, vaccines, preparations, and services; studying regulatory and supervisory challenges; and preparing recommendations, proposals, draft decisions, and regulatory controls to be submitted to competent authorities for necessary action.

This decision comes within the Ministry of Health’s efforts to develop regulatory and supervisory frameworks and enhance institutional coordination among relevant entities, thereby supporting the safety of veterinary practices, facilities, and preparations, and protecting public and animal health in the State of Kuwait.