Kuwait shuts five healthcare facilities over patient safety violations

Kuwait orders closure of five healthcare facilities, suspends laboratory over serious safety violations

Kuwait has ordered the immediate closure of five private healthcare facilities and suspended laboratory operations at a sixth establishment after government inspections revealed serious violations that could endanger patient safety, according to the state news agency Kuna.

The enforcement action was issued by Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, who has led the ministry since October 2022. A pediatrics consultant trained at Arabian Gulf University and the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialization, Dr. Al-Awadhi directed that the affected facilities — two health centres, a dispensary, a dental centre and a private clinic — remain closed until the Medical Liability Authority completes its investigations.

Medical Liability Authority's role in investigations

The Medical Liability Authority, an independent government body established in 2020 under Law No. 70 of 2020, is responsible for providing technical opinions on medical error complaints and professional violations. The authority recently won first place regionally in the Arab Hospitals Federation's leadership and governance category, achieving the highest score among 323 submissions from 10 Arab countries.

Serious violations discovered during inspections

Inspectors identified multiple breaches of professional regulations during their visits. At one facility, a nurse performed a laser procedure on a patient without proper authorization. At another, a dentist conducted X-ray examinations without holding a valid radiology practice licence. Several establishments were found providing medical services or advertising specialities beyond the scope of their approved licences.

The suspended laboratory faced particularly serious issues. Inspectors discovered a malfunctioning air-conditioning system that resulted in excessively high temperatures, potentially compromising the stability of samples and reagents while affecting equipment performance. The facility also had expired medical materials and test tubes, failed to comply with personal protective equipment requirements, and showed shortcomings in quality control and equipment maintenance.

Additional violations across the facilities included improper handling of sharp instruments and contaminated materials, inadequate administrative supervision, and continued provision of unlicensed medical services. The Ministry of Health emphasized that these measures were taken to safeguard patients and ensure strict compliance with healthcare regulations.

Part of broader regulatory enforcement trend

The enforcement action reflects Kuwait's intensifying regulatory oversight of private healthcare providers. In June 2026, authorities shut down seven private healthcare facilities over similar violations, including cases of unlicensed practitioners administering Botox and dermal filler injections. That same month, officials also enforced regulations prohibiting cash transactions over KD10 at healthcare facilities under Kuwait Ministerial Resolution No. 32/2026, which mandates electronic payment methods.

Legal framework and enforcement powers

Kuwait's Ministry of Health holds broad enforcement powers under Law No. 70 of 2020, the fundamental legal framework protecting patients' rights in the country. The law regulates professional licensing, informed consent, patient privacy, and defines medical liability at both criminal and civil levels. The ministry has authority to conduct routine and unannounced inspections of healthcare facilities, impose administrative sanctions, and refer serious cases to public prosecution.

Alignment with international standards

The regulatory actions come as Kuwait aligns itself with international healthcare standards. In 2025, the country joined the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities, becoming the 46th member state in the global association established in 2000.

Kuwait's private healthcare sector comprises approximately 16 private hospitals with around 1,200 beds, with plans to add 1,800 additional beds. Despite this growth, the public healthcare sector dominates, accounting for more than 80 percent of total healthcare spending in the country.

The closures and suspension will remain in effect until the Medical Liability Authority completes all necessary procedures and investigations, the Ministry of Health confirmed.