Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has shut down four private healthcare facilities after inspectors found violations of licensing regulations.
The ministry said the closures followed inspections aimed at checking whether private healthcare providers meet the country’s licensing and patient-care requirements.
Officials found several violations involving the operation and investment of healthcare facilities without the necessary authorization.
In one case, inspectors found that a third party was operating and investing in a clinic under another person’s health license. Authorities cancelled the clinic’s license after identifying the arrangement.
The ministry said this practice violates Article 15 of Ministerial Resolution No. 36 of 2024 and Paragraph 4 of Article 63 of Law No. 70 of 2020.
Kuwait enforces healthcare licensing rules
Kuwaiti authorities stressed that healthcare licenses belong to the approved license holder. Unauthorized parties cannot transfer, sublet or commercially use those licenses.
The Ministry of Health said violators can face several administrative penalties. These measures may include shutting down facilities and cancelling their licenses.
Authorities may also take further legal action when violations warrant prosecution.
The latest closures form part of Kuwait’s wider effort to strengthen oversight of private healthcare services. Officials said inspections will continue across the sector.
The ministry aims to ensure that private healthcare providers follow licensing rules and maintain safe standards for patients.
Wider commercial inspection campaign
The healthcare crackdown comes as Kuwait also increases inspections of commercial establishments.
Kuwait Municipality has expanded its inspection campaign to businesses across different sectors. Authorities have warned companies to meet licensing and municipal approval requirements or face fines and possible closure.
Eng. Khaled Buarki, Director of the Engineering Licensing Department at the Kuwait Municipality branch in Hawally Governorate, said the campaign covers a broad range of commercial activities.
Speaking to Al-Akhbar TV, Buarki explained that his department checks building permits, shop licenses and technical approvals required for commercial operations.
The inspections cover businesses such as restaurants, electrical appliance stores and other establishments.
Buarki said inspectors focus on whether businesses operate under valid commercial licenses and have obtained the required municipal and technical approvals.
More inspections expected
Kuwait’s latest enforcement measures highlight the authorities’ focus on licensing compliance across both healthcare and commercial sectors.
Private clinics and other healthcare facilities can expect continued inspections as officials work to prevent unauthorized operations and protect patients.
The Ministry of Health has also urged healthcare providers to follow licensing requirements and ensure that their facilities operate within the law.
