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       KUWAIT CITY, March 28: In a recent development, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi has endorsed a ministerial decision aimed at regulating the health status assessment of newly arrived residency applicants in the country, particularly concerning hepatitis C.

       Under the approved decision, an applicant will be deemed medically unfit if their laboratory examination for hepatitis C yields an “indeterminate” result. The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is prohibited in such cases, with the relevant regulations and procedures being applied accordingly.

       This directive specifically pertains to expatriate residents who receive two unspecified results from laboratory tests for hepatitis C antibodies, conducted at least four weeks apart. In such instances, individuals are permitted to undergo a PCR test. A positive PCR test result renders the applicant unfit for health, leading to the application of relevant decisions and regulations.

       Conversely, if the PCR test returns a negative result, the applicant’s residency will be renewed for one year. Following the expiration of this period, the PCR test will be repeated. If the subsequent test also yields a negative result, the individual will be considered fit for health.

       This decision aligns with a broader framework established by the Council of Ministers, which outlines procedures for managing positive or negative cases while incorporating health oversight for unspecified scenarios.

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