The Kuwaiti national health service: Financial restraints and cost sharing imperatives

Abstract

AbstractThe post‐World War II oil boom that transformed the country from a Bedouin trading center to a modern society has brought Kuwaiti citizens one of the world's highest living standards, including a tax‐free economy and a lavish array of welfare state services. Enormous wealth has not, however, sheltered Kuwait from the contemporary public policy dilemma generally encountered in other countries—how to reconcile fast‐rising public expectations for more and better government services with slower‐growing budgetary revenues. Following a review of some of the more prominent national economic and social characteristics, the structure of the Kuwaiti National Health Service is described against the backdrop of new economic realities precipitated by a decline in oil export earnings and a slowing of economic expansion. Government plans to alleviate the pressure on public spending are described which center on cost sharing with consumers and employers. Finally, the implications of cost containment for the future of private medical practice are discussed.