The government subsidizes the health service and treatment is free for Kuwaiti citizens. Expatriates are charged low fees.
When an expatriate has completed residence formalities, he or she is entitled to a medical card. This can be obtained by providing the nearest clinic with passport, a rent receipt and a letter from the area's District Administrator.
Clinics, offering medical and dental care, are located in almost all areas throughout Kuwait. There is a number of well-equipped hospitals in Kuwait. With regards to hospital treatment, the government has divided the country into different health areas. Specialized treatment is available at the Al-Sabah Centre for Medical Specialties.
A number of Kuwaiti businessmen and women have set up specialized medical centres as donations to the Ministry of Public Health. Some of these are:
Hussain Makki Al-Juma's Kuwait Cancer Control Centre at Al-Sabah Hospital Compound
Thanian Al-Ghanim's Centre for Gastroenterology at Al-Amiri Hospital Compound
Lulwa Al-Marzouq's Centre for Islamic Medicine at Al-Sabah Hospital Compound
Hamad Al-Essa's Kidney Centre at Al-Sabah Hospital Compound
In addition, there are a number of private hospitals in Kuwait. If you wish to be treated at one of these, you will pay a registration fee, a treatment fee and a further fee for any required tests. Many expatriates and Kuwaitis do select private medical treatment.
There are both government and private dentists in a number of locations throughout the country.
There is a large number of pharmacies in Kuwait and these have a duty rota routa for night service.
Many opticians are available in Kuwait. They are generally efficient and offer services for reasonable prices. Eye check-ups are free, hard and soft contact lenses are available; however, sand storms can cause irritation and more than usual care should be exercised by the wearers of contact lenses. In many cases, glasses can be delivered within 24 hours.
The new Central Blood Bank is behind the Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital in Jabriya. Blood donors are always welcome and should report to the Central Blood Bank for further information. Tel: 533 6538 and 533 6539.