Prime Minister Osama Hammad has issued Decree No. (86) of 2026, establishing a regulatory framework and fee structure for healthcare services provided to foreign nationals in public hospitals and clinics. The decision follows a proposal by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Abdul Salam Aguila, aimed at streamlining the health sector and ensuring the long-term viability of medical services.
The regulation addresses significant operational pressures highlighted by the Ministry of Health, caused by the increasing number of foreign residents accessing free public healthcare, leading to heightened maintenance costs and a strain on limited medical resources. By introducing service fees, the government seeks to optimize the use of existing capabilities and enhance the overall efficiency of state healthcare institutions.
Certain groups remain exempt from these charges, including diplomatic staff and international organization personnel (subject to reciprocity), foreign workers with employer-covered medical contracts, and those under the social security system. Furthermore, emergency and life-threatening humanitarian cases are excluded from the fee requirements. The Ministry emphasized that this measure is a strategic step toward balancing the rights of citizens with the provision of high-quality, sustainable medical care for all residents.