Domestic helpers in Kuwait and bedoons whose security IDs have expired have been exempted from the new medical charges, which was implemented in public clinics and hospitals across teh country starting from last Sunday.

Health Minister Dr Jamal Al-Harbi disclosed that, in addition to domestic workers, exemptions from the new medical fees for expatriates will be expanded to more people include patients in critical condition who need to be confined in the intensive care units for surgery, internal medicine, heart diseases and children. He affirmed the heads of concerned departments and directors of hospitals have been instructed to take decisions in this regard.

Harbi also said expatriate children under 12 years of age suffering from cancer or birth defects will be treated free of charge, and that spouses of Kuwaitis and their children are also exempt.

He also unveiled a plan to study the recommendation to exempt patients, who need to stay in the hospital for a long period, from the new fee — KD 10 per day, however this is not yet finalised.

The ministry of health raised medical fees for expatriates from the beginning of October.