18/10/2026
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18/10/2026
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Kuwait's health ministry highlights pioneering AI initiatives in patient care at GCC event.
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 18: Health Minister Dr Ahmed Al-Awadi has ordered the closure of five health facilities and the suspension of laboratory activities at one clinic pending the completion of procedures and investigations by the Medical Responsibility Authority, following inspections that identified alleged patient-safety, licensing and regulatory violations.
The decisions cover two health centres, a dental centre, a clinic and a private clinic, according to the Ministry of Health.
The measures were based on reports from the Health Licensing Department and inspection committees, which documented violations concerning professional practice, compliance with approved licences and health and safety requirements.
Among the violations identified was a nurse performing laser procedures on a patient in breach of professional controls. Inspectors also found that a dentist had conducted radiographic imaging without a licence to practise radiation-related activities.
Other violations involved providing services and advertising medical specialties beyond the scope of the licences approved for the facilities and practitioners concerned.
Laboratory safety violations
An inspection of one laboratory revealed several shortcomings that could affect the safety and reliability of testing procedures.
The committee reported a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit and elevated temperatures, which could affect the stability of samples and reagents and the performance of laboratory equipment.
Inspectors also found expired materials and test tubes, non-compliance with personal protective equipment requirements, and violations in the handling of sharps waste and contaminated materials.
Additional findings concerned quality control and equipment maintenance requirements.
Inspection committees also recorded shortcomings in administrative supervision, non-compliance with the scope of approved licences, and the continued provision or advertisement of services in unlicensed medical specialties.
Investigations under way
The closure and suspension decisions will remain in force pending the completion of the required procedures and investigations. The cases referred to the competent authorities remain subject to verification.
The ministry cited Article 37 of Law No. 70 of 2020, under which the Medical Responsibility Authority provides technical opinions on incidents involving suspected medical errors and professional violations and evaluates the cases referred to it.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continued inspections of health facilities and strict enforcement of laws and regulatory requirements governing medical practice.
It stressed that the measures are intended to protect patient safety and ensure that healthcare services provided to citizens and residents comply with approved licences, professional standards and medical ethics.
