Health cover in focus
By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb
KUWAIT CITY, Dec 9: Chairman of the Human Resources Development Committee in the Parliament MP Khaleel Al-Saleh has submitted a request to expedite deliberation on the Health Affairs Committee’s report about the health insurance policy for foreigners who visit the country in order to table the bill for discussion in Tuesday’s session.
Al-Saleh said he presented the proposal in the last legislative term, hoping it will be approved this term. He proposed a new health insurance policy for every foreigner entering the country to reduce pressure on hospitals and to stop the squandering of prescribed medicines. He added the bill has become a popular demand, especially since it is in line with the government’s rationalization policy.
He pointed out similar laws are currently implemented in neighboring countries, noting that the implementation of a system for providing healthcare
services requires comprehensive research and preparation by experts considering the financial situation of the country and the need to coordinate with the private sector.
In another development, Housing Affairs Committee member MP Askar Al-Enizi disclosed the committee has approved the proposal to amend Housing Welfare Law No. 47/1993. He said the proposed amendment grants the widow of a Kuwaiti martyr the right to obtain deed of housing alternative for the martyr’s family on her own, whether she has children or none and whether she received housing allocations or not.
He went on to say that if the widow is a Kuwaiti, the deed is automatically transferred upon the death of her Kuwaiti husband. He added that since the report is ready for deliberation and there is general consensus between the government and Parliament, he expects passage of the bill in Tuesday’s session.
Furthermore, MP Salaah Khourshed revealed more than 6,400 employees will benefit from the Early Retirement Bill once it is approved; and by the end of 2019, this number will increase to 7,500.
He explained the indemnity of an individual who retires at the age of 55 will be equivalent to 16 months salary and 21 months if the age of retirement is 57. He said the deduction per year will be two percent which will be paid by the individual and three percent will be shouldered by the government.
Despite the government’s discontent over the bill, MPs are adamant to see it approved considering the report has been finalized and ready for discussion on Tuesday.