The Central Agency for Public Tenders endorsed the technical evaluation for a tender requested by the Ministry of Health to study, design and oversee nurses housing across the country’s health districts, the agency announced on October 3. Four consulting firms met the qualifications and will proceed to the financial bid opening, while three others fell short of the requirements. Approved participants have been directed to consult the CAPT website for the exact timing of the bid openings, according to the agency’s statement.
This move advances plans first detailed by Dr. Mohsen Al-Rashidi, who serves as director of public services administration in the Ministry of Health. In an interview with Al-Anba in February 2024, Al-Rashidi confirmed that a long-term study was being conducted to allocate state land for the construction of dedicated housing for the nursing and technical cadre as an alternative to leased properties. He emphasized that providing such accommodation falls under the responsibilities of his department, which also handles protection, guarding and exploration of investment and landscaping opportunities at ministry facilities.
The project addresses the living needs of nursing staff who play a critical role in Kuwait’s expanding healthcare network. Earlier support for nurses included an effort by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, which in May 2020 supplied 115 apartments complete with basic furnishings and food provisions in the Jaber Al-Ahmad area for Ministry of Health personnel, according to the society. KRCS Chairman Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer described the contribution as part of the association’s assistance to government entities during the coronavirus pandemic, while the health ministry’s then-undersecretary Dr. Mustafa Redha commended the ongoing support.
Kuwait is simultaneously pursuing large-scale residential development, with plans to build approximately 170,000 new homes over the coming decade to shorten waiting lists for citizens, Reuters reported. A dedicated coordination committee comprising eight government bodies, including the ministries of finance, public works and electricity, is tasked with resolving implementation challenges and ensuring timely delivery of services for these cities. Although the nurses housing falls under the health portfolio, it contributes to the same overarching objective of improving accommodation options across the country.
In addition to advancing the nurses housing tender, the Central Agency for Public Tenders rejected a complaint lodged by a firm concerning the contract for meal preparation and supply to public hospitals and health centers in four designated groups. The board similarly dismissed objections related to the upgrade of the ministry’s primary data center. These decisions were issued during the same meeting that progressed the housing project.
