KUWAIT: The recent decree issued by the Ministry of Health to exempt expatriate children suffering from cancer from paying fees for medical treatment was warmly welcomed by Kuwait's residents. Both Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis were optimistic that this exemption would help families who have already suffered a lot because of the diagnosis. According to a 40-year-old Indian man who is aware of the suffering of families says that on one hand Kuwait allows parents to be with their sick children and on the other, this decision helped parents cope with the burden of paying high medical treatment for cancer stricken children. "It's a really beautiful act of mercy," he said.

A Kuwaiti woman in her late 50's commented, "It is one unique advantage for expats that nobody else in the world can enjoy. For me, it's okay, because I want government donations to be spent here especially for sick people rather than have patients sent to other countries. In that way, we will know that our donations are indeed used for sick people or for other needs. They are not just robbed by receiving government officials," she said.

Experts agree that the Kuwait health-care system is now fairly-developed. Kuwaitis usually receive medical services at government clinics and hospitals free of charge, but non-Kuwaitis pay nominal fees in addition to paying their annual health insurance, which amounts to KD 50. "Nobody wants cancer, or prays that their kids will be affected by any diseases much more cancer. Cancer is really frightening. With this little act, I think it's a big thing for parents whose children suffer from cancer," another expat commented.

The news about waiving fees initiated inquiries on behalf of others who stressed the need to implement similar action in other sectors of the government, such as education. A citizen and a Kuwait University student suggested to include education sector for expatriates' children. "Come on, they live here. They are living with us; we don't want children to be left behind sick and uneducated. I think, including health; education sector is also one core basic rights of children and the government should also look into that matter," he said.

The Kuwait Cancer Control Center (KCCC) provides diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients in the country. "Every country in the world should do the same to provide free medical treatment to every sick person without discriminating against them," a Filipino office secretary commented.

There are people who wished to implement a wider scope of health exemptions, "If the real intention was on humanitarian grounds, I think, they should look further: Look for other terminally ill patients, example patients above 60, not just children but adults who really need medical attention. There are patients who need government assistance and I hope they would look into that as well," an expatriate teacher commented.

Another expatriate commented that a free medical treatment should be given long time ago to expats, since they have been paying annual health insurance, "They should not discriminate expatriates from citizens especially if we are talking about health; after all who wants to be bedridden? For example, there are drugs that are only given to Kuwaitis and not provided to expat patients unless they are purchased. That is unfair, very discriminating behavior that I hope the Ministry of Health will finally realize," a Westerner said. "While I am fully aware of the fact that we are not citizens of this country to enjoy all the benefits given to its people, but when it comes to health sector, we should be treated as equal at least. - Kuwait Times