Kuwait Hospitals get ‘quiet hours’

20/06/2026

Kuwait Health Ministry enforces medical advertisement compliance, referring 34 private health facilities to the Medical Liability Authority for violations.

KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Khalifa recently issued a decision to regulate visiting and accompanying patients and the implementation of ‘quiet hours’ in hospitals and specialized centers, reports Al-Seyassah daily. This decision is part of the efforts of the ministry to improve services for patients and to provide a more supportive therapeutic environment for speedy recovery.

In a press statement, Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Khalifa explained that the decision is based on the belief that patient comfort is an essential part of the treatment, and that providing a calm, safe and psychologically supportive environment contributes to improving the quality of healthcare, patient experience and recovery. He said the ministry is keen on developing inpatient environment in government hospitals according to the best global health practices, ensuring balance between the medical, psychological and social needs of the patients and the of better, more efficient and more humane healthcare.

The decision states the implementation of ‘quiet hours’ in wards from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am daily to provide a more suitable environment for rest and sleep, in addition to organizing nursing procedures, tests and the administration of non-urgent treatments in a way that minimizes the need to wake up patients during these rest hours. It applies to all staff in wards, including medical and nursing staff, as well as those in support services such as cleaning, nutrition, maintenance and transportation. Intensive care and emergency departments are exempt from the regulation.

Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Khalifa affirmed that these measures will not impede the rapid response to emergencies or the provision of medical care. He said the decision stipulates more flexible visiting hours, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily, totaling five hours per day. Morning visiting hours are also designated during official holidays, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and visiting hours are extended until 9:00 pm in the holy month of Ramadan. He added that the decision sets the maximum number of visitors to balance the provision of social support for the patient and the requirements for infection control and maintaining a calm therapeutic environment.

The regulation on the companion of the patient is based on humanitarian needs, that is, one companion of the same gender as the patient to assist during hospitalization. It also indicated that the head of the medical board has the authority to consider humanitarian and social cases and grant exceptions to the gender requirement depending on the circumstances. The ministry confirmed that these regulations are considered a qualitative step towards promoting patient-centered care and establishing a more comfortable and private treatment environment, which supports the recovery of patients and guarantees the best health outcomes for them.