According to reports, the Ministry of Health (MoH) plans to shift at least part of the work involved in medical examinations of new expat workers to the private sector due to ongoing overcrowding at approved centers.

It is reported that the ministry is currently studying the mechanisms and methodologies involved in linking with the private sector, including regulatory mechanisms and service fees. Once the necessary regulatory provisions are decided and put in place, the ministry and other relevant government entities will announce a call for bids from the private sector.

According to MoH sources, privatizing expat health examinations would ease the burden on government health facilities, reduce the wait time for expats to get appointments, and improve the quality of results.

In addition, this would accelerate the detection of infectious diseases among patients, as these diseases threaten Kuwait's health security, and is in line with the ministry's vision to develop and advance Kuwait's health system.

To provide the service, the private sector would need to administer the examinations through centers approved by the MoH, based on required specifications and standards. By implementing strict control standards, the ministry will also ensure the accuracy of the test results.