KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health has opened six new specialized clinics to provide health checks for food handlers, including daycare food providers and food vendors operating in hajj campaigns. These clinics, dedicated to Kuwaiti citizens, are located in health centers across all governorates, offering an easy and efficient way for them to obtain the necessary health certificates to work in these vital sectors.

Dr Fahad Al-Ghamlas, Director of the Public Health Department, explained in a press statement that the health of food handlers is critical in maintaining public safety and protecting the community from foodborne illnesses. The health checks include general hygiene assessments, laboratory tests, chest X-rays to detect respiratory diseases, as well as vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid.

To facilitate access to these services, the ministry has introduced an electronic system through the government’s digital services app, Sahel, where citizens can choose the most convenient clinic and schedule an appointment online. The selected health centers offering these services are Al-Sagar Medical Center, Hawally West Clinic, Abdulrahman Al-Zaid Clinic, Fahaheel Clinic (Specialist Center), Al-Osaimi Clinic, Al-Oyoun Polyclinic, in addition to the Farwaniya and Sharq clinics.

Dr Al-Ghamlas said health certificates are now being issued electronically through the Sahel and Q8seha apps, removing the need for in-person visits to obtain the certificate, which will be valid for one year and renewable.

He added that the initiative aligns with the ministry’s continuous efforts to promote public health, ensure food safety, and meet the guidelines set by Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi. The ministry is committed to improving the health of food handlers and, by extension, the safety of food served to the public. Dr Al-Ghamlas encouraged all food handlers to take advantage of the ministry’s services and reminded the public that safeguarding public health is a shared responsibility.