Minister launches ‘health’ insurance plan for retirees
Kuwaiti minister hails GCC education office
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 28, (KUNA): Minister of Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi launched on Wednesday health insurance scheme for retirees declaring start of distributing cards for 117,000 eligible citizens, at a total cost of KD 82 million.
Minister Dr Al-Obaidi, speaking during the inauguration ceremony, said retirees eligible to benefit from the service can receive their cards at 45 offices in all of the country’s governorates.
The centers include three hospitals and medical centers, 39 dentistry clinics, 41 laboratories, 41 X-ray centers, 42 private clinics and 43 pharmacies.
Speaking on the ceremony, Al-Obaidi said that the Ministry of Health has stayed true to its word by implementing the health insurance plan for retirees, an endeavor he described as an accomplishment that underscores cooperation between the government and the National Assembly.
Moreover, he noted that more than 117,000 retirees are the beneficiaries of the health insurance plan, which provides a slew of health services at a cost of KD 17,000 per person.
On the health insurance cards, Al-Obaidi said that retirees are free to choose from a list of health care providers at their disposal, adding that the plan is meticulous and complies with international health standards.
Furthermore, Al-Obaidi said that the health insurance plan for retirees is the latest in a series of projects designed to prop up the health sector in the country.
He also added that a number of hospitals and medical facilities are undergoing renovations to ensure top notch healthcare services.
Minister of Education and Higher Education Bader Al-Essa said on Wednesday the GCC
Arab Education Office is a “shining beacon for the world of education and culture”.
Addressing the 24th conference of GCC education ministers held in Riyadh, the Kuwaiti minister appreciated the office as being well-positioned among similar regional and international organizations.
He added that the State of Kuwait, during its presidency of the office over the last couple of years, was keen on implementing the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for promoting inter-GCC relations in the field of education.
He voiced confidence that the office, which was established four decades ago, would continue its pioneering role in the field of education.
The Kuwaiti minister pointed to
the size of challenges the GCC member states are facing in various fields, adding that fervent efforts should be exerted in order to find effective response in this regard.
The conferees, who came together today, are expected to come up with recommendations next week.
A delegation from Kuwait’s General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development (GSSCPD), on a visit to Singapore, looked over opportunities for increased trade and investment ties with the island city-state.
In a phone call to KUNA on Wednesday, GSSCPD’s Assistant Secretary General Talal Al-Shimmeri said that the visit is part of efforts to bring Kuwait’s strategic development projects for the years 2017/2018 to
fruition.
Moreover, in meetings with officials from some of Singapore’s most prominent companies and institutions, he said that he proposed a total of 32 projects at a cost of KD 23.5 billion, running the gamut from oil to transport and educational programs.
Al-Shimmeri also invited Singaporean firms to attend Kuwait’s International Exhibition, slated for Feb 20-23 of next year, given the ample opportunities of investment this event will provide.
He also revealed that the exhibit will offer work permits to foreign companies looking to do business in Kuwait.
In addition to Al-Shimmeri, the visiting Kuwaiti delegation comprised numerous senior officials from GSSCPD.