Kuwait enforces cashless fee collection across private healthcare facilities

The Ministry of Health has issued a circular requiring all private healthcare facilities to collect service fees exclusively through approved banking channels and electronic payment methods, while completely prohibiting the acceptance of cash payments.

The directive applies to all licensed private health sector establishments, including hospitals, medical centers, clinics, dispensaries, laboratories, and home healthcare providers, as part of broader efforts to enhance financial governance and regulatory oversight within the sector.

According to the ministry, the decision aims to strengthen transparency, ensure accurate documentation of financial transactions, and safeguard the rights of both patients and healthcare providers. The move is also intended to improve discipline and accountability in fee collection procedures across private medical institutions, reports Al-Rai daily.

The ministry called on all concerned facilities to immediately comply with the circular and implement the necessary regulatory and technical measures to activate electronic payment systems, ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services while adhering to approved regulations.

It further confirmed that compliance will be closely monitored, warning that violations may result in legal action in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory frameworks.