24/12/2025
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24/12/2025
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KUWAIT CITY, Dec 24: In a move to strengthen the healthcare system and promote safe consumption habits, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi issued a decree prohibiting the sale and distribution of energy drinks in educational institutions at all levels, including public and private schools, universities, and government institutions and agencies.
Article 1 of the decree regulates the distribution of energy drinks based on specific controls, including restricting their sale to individuals aged 18 and above, limiting daily consumption to two cans, and ensuring that the caffeine content of each can does not exceed 80 mg per 250 ml serving. The decree also requires producers and importers to place clear and prominent health warnings on packaging and bans all advertising and sponsorship related to energy drinks. The decree prohibits the sale of energy drinks in restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, food trucks, selfservice kiosks, and through takeout and delivery platforms, as well as in sports clubs, in line with its objectives of protecting public health and promoting environments that encourage healthy behavior.
Article 2 of the decision permits the sale of energy drinks exclusively in cooperative societies and parallel markets, provided that sales occur in designated areas and under strict supervision by the relevant state authorities. This includes full compliance with age and quantity regulations to ensure effective oversight and safe implementation. The decision emphasizes the Ministry of Health’s commitment to proactive preventative policies based on clear scientific and regulatory foundations.
These policies aim to reduce health risks and promote responsible consumption within a comprehensive national vision focused on improving quality of life and safeguarding public health. The decision was based on medical and health data highlighting the potential effects of excessive energy drink consumption, particularly among youth and young adults, and the associated health risks, including high caffeine levels, heart problems, sleep disturbances, and changes in eating habits.
In other news, Minister Dr. Al-Awadhi issued a decree for adding the profession of “Home Healthcare Assistant” to the list of professions supporting the medical field and approving the regulations and requirements governing its practice in the private healthcare sector. The decision was issued in response to the rapidly changing needs of healthcare and its delivery methods, based on the ministry’s commitment to regulating home healthcare services and ensuring their provision according to clear professional standards that protect patients’ rights and enhance the quality and efficiency of care provided at home, in line with national directives to develop the health sector and ensure safe practice.
The decree outlines essential tasks for home healthcare assistants, including providing basic healthcare at home, monitoring patients’ general condition, measuring vital signs and oxygen levels, and assisting in administering non-intravenous medications as prescribed. Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al- Awadhi issued a decree for revoking the license of a dental center and closing two of its branches after confirming serious violations of health regulations, specifically the illegal subletting of the license to a third party.
The Ministry of Health stated in a press release that the decision followed the discovery of an illegal contract that allowed another investor to operate and fully manage the clinic in exchange for a monthly fee. It stressed that the action was based on established facts and final court rulings confirming the violation, highlighting that the decision was made in accordance with Law No. 70/2020 and Ministerial Resolution No. 36/2024 concerning the regulation and licensing of private healthcare facilities. The ministry affirmed its commitment to continuing monitoring and inspection campaigns of private healthcare facilities to protect patients’ rights and ensure compliance with professional and legal standards
By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
