KUWAIT CITY, Jan 18: The Ministry of Health (MoH) has executed four projects, which HH the Amir wanted to be carried out at the earliest, under the supervision of a committee formed by the Cabinet, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Services and Maintenance Samir Al-Asfour told Al-Rai daily.
Replying to the notices of State Audit Bureau on the budget allocated for these projects, Al-Asfour said the cost of three projects exceeded the estimated value, but it is justified since the ministry was trying to fulfill HH the Amir’s wishes and complete the projects as quickly as possible. He added that the bed-capacity in Jahra, Farwaniya, Adan and Mubarak Al-Kabeer hospitals was increased by around 250 each.
Commenting on the ministry’s future plans and the shortage of contractors capable of handling such projects, Al-Asfour said “we didn’t find any solution to the problem yet. We are trying to change some requirements in our future tenders. Until then, we have no choice but to choose the lowest bidder, as per the country’s laws.”
Al-Asfour, referring to pending projects, said “we are trying to replace the contractors and get at least the major projects like Hawalli health center project completed. We have been given a grace period of four months to change contractors.”