Health
From The Report: Kuwait 2015
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Kuwait’s rapidly changing demographic profile and increased prosperity have given rise to various lifestyle changes that have fuelled a rise in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. To counter this, and to free up public resources for healthy living initiatives, the government is encouraging greater private sector involvement in the sector, starting with provision of health care for expatriates. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is in the process of upgrading nine hospitals at a total estimated cost of KD1.25bn ($4.31bn). Two projects – the Al Razi Hospital and the Amiri Hospital – are already under construction, and seven others are to break ground in the next few years.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

A balanced diet: Government seeks to give health care a sustainable future
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Health care needs in Kuwait are evolving rapidly in line with its changing economic and population profile. The government is looking to target resources more appropriately, and the private sector looks set to take on a greater role in health care provision. Demographics One of the principal factors shaping Kuwait’s changing health policy is the demographic makeup of its population. While its birth rate has remained relatively high, the country’s mortality rate has dropped significantly in…

Analysis

Substantial investment: A series of mega-projects are set to boost hospital capacity
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Kuwait’s overall development strategy is contained in a government plan known as Kuwait Vision 2035. Health care forms a big part of Vision 2035, with the government placing belief in the relationship between a healthy economy and a healthy workforce. Furthermore, while birth rates in Kuwait remain high compared to many Western countries (2.6 children born per woman in 2013, according to World Bank figures), a combination of falling birth rates and longer life expectancy means that the country’s…