The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Resolution No. 110 of 2026 on July 13, 2026. The resolution prohibits private healthcare facilities from accepting cash payments exceeding KD 10 for any medical services. All companies operating such facilities must instead route larger transactions exclusively through banking and electronic payment channels that the Central Bank of Kuwait has approved. The measure covers the full range of providers licensed by the Ministry of Health.
The resolution further details that the restriction applies to hospitals, medical centers, clinics, home healthcare providers and every other licensed medical establishment. Companies managing these entities bear direct responsibility for shifting their billing practices. The text specifies that electronic methods must conform fully to Central Bank of Kuwait regulations already in force. Facilities have no option to accept cash beyond the stated threshold under the new rules.
According to the resolution, any facility that violates the prohibition faces penalties under Decree Law No. 10 of 1979. Offending establishments will be closed immediately as one enforcement step. They will also be referred to the competent investigation authorities for additional legal proceedings. Other applicable measures can be invoked alongside the primary sanctions outlined in the document.
The ministry’s resolution cancels all previous provisions that conflict with the KD 10 cash limit. It took effect on the day of issuance with no transitional period. The immediate implementation requires rapid adjustments across the private healthcare sector. Resolution text leaves no ambiguity about the scope or timing of the change.
Decree Law No. 10 of 1979 supplies the foundational authority for the penalties described. The law has governed commercial conduct in Kuwait since its enactment. Resolution No. 110 of 2026 integrates that framework into the specific context of healthcare payments. Competent authorities will handle referrals and closures as the resolution directs. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry presented the full set of requirements in the single document released Monday.
