Kuwait arrests Indian ‘housewife’ posing as doctor, running underground clinic

Dubai: Kuwaiti authorities have arrested an Indian woman for practicing medicine without a licence at an unregistered clinic in the Jleeb Al Shuyoukh area, according to a statement from the Ministry of Interior.

The arrest was carried out by detectives from the Farwaniya police command’s Jleeb Al Shuyoukh Investigations Section as part of Kuwait’s ongoing crackdown on illegal medical practices.

At the time of arrest, the woman was reportedly treating a child. Although officially listed as a "housewife," she was found operating a clinic stocked with various medications, a blood pressure monitor, a stethoscope, and infant formula supplied by the Ministry of Health.

Investigators revealed that the woman had been preparing and dispensing “folk remedies” in capsule form without medical supervision or government approval.

She admitted to having no qualifications or official licenses. Some medicines were reportedly imported, while others were sourced from local pharmacies.

A security source said the woman primarily treated expatriates who were living in Kuwait without valid residency or work permits, and therefore unable to access public healthcare. Patients were charged modest fees for medical services.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed the suspect has been referred to the public prosecution for further legal action.

-- Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.