Health Minister Dr Ahmed Al-Awadi issued decisions to close two health centres, a dispensary, a dental centre and a private clinic while suspending laboratory services at one of the dispensaries, the ministry said in a statement on October 18. The orders stemmed from detailed reports by the Health Licensing Department and inspection committees that uncovered breaches tied to patient safety, professional practice and licensing rules. These actions will remain in force until all required procedures and investigations reach completion.
Inspection records showed a nurse had performed laser procedures on a patient in violation of established professional controls. A dentist was found conducting radiographic imaging without the required licence to practise radiation activities. Facilities had further provided services and advertised specialties that exceeded the limits of their approved licences, according to the ministry.
In one laboratory inspectors observed a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit that caused elevated temperatures with the potential to affect sample stability, reagent integrity and equipment performance. Expired testing materials and tubes were present alongside failures to meet personal protective equipment standards. Additional breaches involved improper handling of sharp waste and contaminated materials as well as shortcomings in quality control and maintenance protocols.
The ministry stated that the Medical Responsibility Authority will now review the referred cases under Article 37 of Law No. 70 of 2020, which tasks the body with providing technical opinions on suspected medical errors and professional violations. All findings remain subject to verification by competent authorities before any conclusions are reached. The decisions underscore the requirement for strict adherence to licensing and safety regulations across private health operations.
This latest enforcement forms part of the ministry’s continuous oversight of the private healthcare sector to protect patient welfare. In June the minister closed seven private facilities after joint inspection campaigns identified unlicensed medical practice and pharmaceutical violations, Kuwait Times reported.[[1]](https://kuwaittimes.com/article/45701/kuwait/other-news/moh-shuts-seven-private-facilities-over-violations/) Those inspections drew on coordination among the Health Licensing Department, Drug Inspection Department, Public Authority for Manpower and criminal investigation units.
The ministry has maintained that such campaigns reinforce regulatory compliance and safeguard both patients and the broader integrity of Kuwait’s health system. Regular monitoring of facilities and practitioner qualifications continues as authorities seek to address any patterns of non-compliance. Further updates will follow once the ongoing investigations conclude.
