KUWAIT CITY, April 1: In a recent development, the Ministry of Health in Kuwait has issued a decree permitting specialist doctors and higher-ranking medical professionals employed within the government medical sector to extend their services to private clinics or facilities during non-official working hours. However, this allowance comes with specific conditions and regulations, as emphasized by the Ministry.

According to the Ministry's directive, doctors eligible for this privilege must not hold any leadership, presidential, or supervisory positions that are deemed incompatible with simultaneous employment in both the government and private medical sectors outside official working hours. Notably, these restricted positions include those of excellent grade, undersecretary of the ministry, assistant undersecretary, as well as directors of departments, health districts, hospitals, specialized medical centers, medical bodies, and departments, along with other related supervisory roles in the private medical sector.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nouf Al-Kandari, a distinguished senior biochemistry and metabolic medicine specialist at Jaber Hospital, weighed in on the matter, particularly addressing medical procedures during the month of Ramadan. Dr. Al-Kandari emphasized the importance of conducting certain tests, such as blood sample collections, during daylight hours despite fasting. She highlighted that certain tests necessitate fasting for 10 to 12 hours beforehand, including examinations related to blood lipid levels and glucose levels. Dr. Al-Kandari advised individuals to monitor their well-being closely, informing medical staff of any feelings of weakness or fatigue before and after sample collection. She further underscored the significance of seeking immediate assistance from the medical team in case of dizziness or other adverse reactions post-sample collection.

The Ministry's decision to allow government doctors to extend their services to private clinics aims to enhance accessibility to medical care while ensuring compliance with regulations to maintain standards of healthcare delivery across sectors.