KUWAIT CITY, March 20: MPs Faisal Al-Kandari, Taher Al-Failakawi, Bader Al-Bathali, Hamad Al-Harshawi and Nasser Al-Murri have presented a proposal on granting every Kuwaiti family agricultural land measuring 25,000 square meters and KD25,000 loan to encourage them to engage in farming activities, as part of the National Food Security Program in line with the government’s development plan.
The lawmakers said their proposal is aimed at ensuring ample supply of food like milk, meat and vegetables for the entire nation.  They suggested that the families should use the earnings from their produce to pay the loan.  They believe the passage of the bill will lead to the transformation of Kuwaiti families from consumers to producers; thereby, contributing to their income.

In another proposal, the MPs said Kuwaiti students should be given scholarships to study in the best international universities.  They argued this bill, once implemented, will improve the quality of education in Kuwait through the following ways: 

• Those interested in establishing a private university or school must be allowed to do so and they should be granted land for such purpose free of charge.
• Establishment of a separate body in the Ministry of Education under the Cabinet to be called the ‘Higher Council for Education’ which will be tasked to ensure the best quality of education in the country.
• Approval of a unified national test before accrediting a university or academic certificate in various fields like dermatology, veterinary medicine, engineering, pharmaceuticals, accounting, legal profession, among others for anyone who wishes to engage in a certain activity by using the certificate either in the government or the private sector.
• Establishment of a government university which offers all fields of specializations in Ahmadi or Mubarak Al-Kabeer and another one in Jahra or Farwaniya to ease traffic jams.

Also:
KUWAIT CITY: MP Esam Al-Dabbous has asked Health Minister Dr Mohammad Al-Haifi to clarify the alleged hike in the prices of medicines without any valid reason, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

In a recent press statement, Al-Dabbous claimed the citizens of Kuwait have expressed disappointment over the fact that the prices of medicines in the country are higher than those in other GCC states.  He accused some distributors of taking advantage of the weak price monitoring system in Kuwait by increasing the prices of their products according to their whims; thereby, harming the interests of the public, especially those with limited income.

Al-Dabbous demanded for copies of decisions, circulars and bylaws on regulating the prices of medicines.  He wants to know the scientific, financial and technical considerations in determining the prices.  He went on to ask: Is there an official register for private companies which distribute medicines locally?  What are the conditions for granting a license to bring medicines into the country?  What procedures have been taken to monitor the companies and pharmacies to ensure strict compliance with price regulations?