Kuwait bans cash payments above KD 10 at private healthcare facilities

KUWAIT CITY, Jul 13: Kuwait's Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 110 of 2026, prohibiting private healthcare facilities from accepting cash payments exceeding KD 10 for medical services.

Under the decision, all companies operating private health facilities licensed by the Ministry of Health—including hospitals, medical centers, clinics, home healthcare providers, and other licensed medical establishments—must receive payments above KD 10 only through banking and electronic payment channels approved by the Central Bank of Kuwait, in accordance with its regulations.

The resolution states that any facility violating the new rule will face penalties under Decree Law No. 10 of 1979. In addition to other applicable legal measures, offending establishments will be closed and referred to the competent investigation authorities for further legal action.

The decision also cancels any previous provisions that conflict with the new regulation and came into effect immediately upon its issuance on July 13, 2026.