Ministry of Commerce Introduces Activity for Operating and Managing Government Health Facilities
A Kuwaiti ministerial decree has introduced the activity of managing and operating government health facilities, sparking debate over the privatization of management and the role of the private sector.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
In a move that could alter the mechanisms for managing public health facilities in the future, Minister of Commerce Acting Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq issued Decision No. 212/2026, published yesterday in the Official Gazette (Kuwait Today). The decision introduces the activity of “establishing, managing, and operating public health facilities,” within the limits set by the Unified Guide for Classifying Economic Activities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The decision, which was issued following a letter from the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health dated October 25 last year, stipulates that the Health Licensing Administration at the Ministry of Health will be responsible for supervising the newly introduced activities. The decision takes effect and becomes enforceable from the date of its issuance and publication.
Commenting on the decision, former Minister of Health Dr. Mohammed Al-Haifi stated that it may pave the way for the private sector to invest in the management and operation of government hospitals, while state ownership of the facilities remains intact. He suggested that this aligns with a future trend toward privatizing management and expanding the scope of health insurance.
Speaking to “Al-Jarida,” Al-Haifi clarified that, in his reading, the decision pertains to the management and operation of the public health facilities themselves, rather than the commercial activities located within hospitals. He noted that it could allow specialized companies to enter this sector and take over the management of public health facilities.
However, he added that the decision remains ambiguous and does not sufficiently clarify the nature of the approach or the mechanisms for its implementation. He pointed out that the Ministry of Commerce needs to provide greater clarification on the project, particularly regarding the entities that will manage and operate public health facilities. Al-Haifi noted that privatizing hospital management alongside the introduction of comprehensive health insurance for Kuwaitis had been discussed previously during debates in the National Assembly’s Health Committee during his tenure, but he emphasized that he personally does not support this trend.
Regarding the “Afiya” health insurance experience, Al-Haifi stated that he had been among its opponents, arguing that it encountered problems and violations that negatively affected beneficiaries, companies, and hospitals. In his view, it failed to follow the correct path in service delivery.
He affirmed that the current government-based health system is the best for citizens and residents, as it allows them to access healthcare services through government hospitals without the need for additional insurance arrangements. He noted that maintaining this model results in higher government expenditure compared to an insurance system, which could help share some of the costs.
He suggested that different models for organizing health services for citizens and residents could be explored, while preserving citizens’ right to benefit from the government care system and ensuring they are not burdened with additional costs due to any future changes.
