Number of Kuwaiti doctors below local market’s needs

Kuwait Medical Association completed a study on the percentage of Kuwaiti doctors in medical specialties. The association’s Director General Dr Mohammad AlQinae said the number of Kuwaiti doctors is below the needs of the local market, as Kuwait is heading towards new development projects that need an increase in doctors. He said that the study showed 90 percent of doctors deserve a “rare specialty” status, which will in turn attract Kuwaitis to such specialties. He said the study warned against the exodus of Kuwaiti and foreign doctors, which will lead to severe shortages and will disrupt work in health projects. Qinae said the study said competent and experienced doctors must be brought in, besides increasing the number of Kuwaiti doctors on medicine scholarships to meet local market needs, especially since the percentage of Kuwaiti doctors is expected to drop from 30 percent to 17 percent during the next five years.

‘Contaminated’ pillows

The health ministry said it followed up a video on social media about claims of distributing ‘contaminated’ pillows to patients at a government hospital. It said when the video was reviewed with concerned authorities, it was found the information was untrue, as the type of pillows shown was different from those used by the health ministry. It said the ministry welcomes any suggestions or comments on health services.

Workers on strike

Deputy Director General of the Manpower Public Authority Abdullah Al-Mutoutah said the authority is following up reports on social media about workers on strike in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. He said the authority is doing its part in following up with employers, and in case of any violation by them, it takes all necessary procedures to protect workers’ rights. He said the authority is carrying out its work according to law 109/2013 and its role is to implement labor law 6/2010.