KUWAIT: Health Minister Ahmad Al-Awadhi issued four decisions on Monday to regulate the implementation of the new anti-drug law which became effective on Monday. The decisions stipulate the establishment of a rehabilitation center for drug addicts and regulating entry into the center, in addition to regulating the entry into Kuwait of narcotic materials used as medicine.
The first decision stipulated the establishment of the “Addiction Rehabilitation Center” in Sulaibiya to offer comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services for drug addicts who are admitted into the center either voluntarily or through their relatives. The center will also offer specialized healthcare treatment and psychological and social services aimed at aiding the speedy recovery of addicts and their reintegration into society, according to the decision.
Another decision lays out a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for the mechanism of admitting addicts or drug users into the addiction centers, whether it came through the patient’s own initiative or upon notification by relatives or employer, in addition to referral by the court or the public prosecution.
The decision states that all cases will be treated with extreme confidentiality to protect privacy, adding that if addicts are sent by court or prosecution, the treatment should not exceed three months. According to the decision, the primary approach of the state is adopting treatment and rehabilitation ahead of punishment.
Another decision explains regulations for allowing patients arriving from abroad to bring with them certain amounts of drugs or pills prescribed as medicine and the need to get the approval of Kuwaiti medical authorities for them. It states that patients who bring with them such medicines must submit medical reports attested by Kuwaiti missions abroad.
A fourth decision stipulates regulations for using or trading narcotic substances and pills within licensed government and private health establishments. Such establishments must obtain prior authorizations for the import, export or transport of such materials, in addition to regulating their prescription and dispensing. The new anti-drug law which came into effect on Monday stipulates harsher penalties and expands the cases where the death penalty is mandatory. It also increases fines to reach up to KD 2 million.
The health ministry affirmed that the four decisions constitute an integrated regulatory framework reflecting the state’s commitment to protecting society from the dangers of drugs and psychotropic substances, while safeguarding patients’ right to safe and organized treatment and strengthening the public health system in line with the highest professional and legislative standards.
The health ministry and Zakat House signed on Sunday a cooperation agreement aimed at equipping, renovating and maintaining the rehabilitation center as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s rehabilitative healthcare system and reinforce community partnership in addressing health issues with humanitarian, social and security dimensions.
The ministry noted that the agreement is rooted in the principles of social solidarity and shared national responsibility, and reflects the integration of government efforts with community support. It is expected to contribute to addressing the growing challenges associated with addiction disorders and limiting their impact on individuals and society, within a balanced institutional framework that takes into account health, social and security considerations.
