Ministry of Health Imposes Strict Regulations on Surgical Procedures, Cosmetic and Obesity Surgeries, and Psychological Treatment
Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued a package of important ministerial decisions that redefine the mechanisms of work, expenditure, and licensing in several specialized medical fields. These decisions were published in today’s Sunday edition of the Official Gazette, “Kuwait Today,” thereby entering into force in accordance with legal frameworks. The package includes four detailed decisions targeting surgical procedures, cosmetic surgery, obesity treatment, and mental health therapy.
**Governance of Surgical Procedures**
In detail, Ministerial Decision No. (220) of 2026 (issued on August 9) established a comprehensive 23-article regulation to organize and govern how any surgical procedure or medical intervention is conducted in both public and private hospitals. The decision mandates obtaining informed consent from patients and documenting it medically, while adopting a “surgical privileges” system that specifies which procedures each physician is authorized to perform. The decision strictly prohibits resident doctors or interns from performing surgeries alone, except in minor cases and under direct supervision, requiring the presence of a specialist physician from the beginning of anesthesia until the end of the procedure.
Furthermore, the decision forbids surgeons from performing more than one operation simultaneously or leaving the operating room without compelling necessity. It also mandates surgical departments to hold monthly meetings to review cases of complications and deaths (M&M). In a notable step to ensure patient safety, the decision provided a mechanism allowing collaboration between physicians in the public and private sectors in emergency cases.
**Strict Regulations for “Cosmetic Surgery” and Liposuction**
Regarding the cosmetic sector, which is witnessing increasing demand, the Minister issued Decision No. (232) of 2026 (issued on August 11), which tightens regulations for cosmetic procedures, thereby amending the requirements set in 2024.
The decision established an official schedule specifying permitted procedures for each specialty (such as fillers, Botox, and sutures). In a decisive move to protect lives, the decision set a maximum limit for liposuction procedures, not exceeding 8% of body weight or 5 liters per session (whichever is lower).
Additionally, the decision introduced an unprecedented precautionary condition, requiring a psychological report from a registered physician before performing certain cosmetic procedures on patients suffering from body dysmorphic disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression, eating disorders, or borderline personality disorder.
**Regulation of Obesity Surgeries**
To address the chaos surrounding obesity surgeries, Ministerial Decision No. (221) of 2026 (issued on August 9) established the first regulatory framework specifically dedicated to this type of surgery (sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass), repealing the previous decision from 2025.
The decision classified these interventions into primary, revisional, malabsorptive procedures, and endoscopic procedures. It required that the performing surgeon hold the rank of “Consultant” or “Senior Specialist” and have completed accredited training. It also set specific experience requirements for anesthesiologists and mandated that visiting surgeons obtain prior approval from the General Surgery Department Council.
**Licensing for Mental Health Therapy and Exclusion of “Life Coaching”**
On the front of mental health, Ministerial Decision No. (225) of 2026 (issued on August 10) established a licensing framework for practicing psychotherapy and psychological counseling in both the public and private sectors.
The decision introduced official professional classifications, including “Senior Psychotherapist” and “Psychotherapist,” specifying strict academic requirements and clinical experience hours, alongside setting standards for licensing psychological counseling complexes in the private sector.
To resolve ongoing debates in this field, the decision explicitly excluded practices such as “life coaching” and “hypnosis” from its scope when offered as alternatives to licensed psychotherapy, thereby eliminating previous regulatory ambiguity and replacing the 2025 decision.
