Healthcare Contact Procedures During Total Curfew in Kuwait
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about an immense transformation in the way nations operate, and Kuwait is no exception. With the sudden outbreak of the virus and its rapid spread across the globe, the government of Kuwait, like many others, implemented strict measures to curb transmission and protect both citizens and residents. Among these safety measures was the imposition of a total curfew across the country. This curfew was essential in minimizing movement and ensuring that gatherings or unnecessary interactions did not contribute to a rise in COVID-19 cases.
However, with such restrictions came the challenge of attending to the public’s healthcare needs. The Kuwait government cannot completely monitor every individual in the country concerning their health status or conditions. It would be virtually impossible to keep track of everyone’s daily symptoms, needs, or emergencies—especially at a time when COVID-19 infections continued to rise, and hospitals were dealing with an overwhelming number of patients. Recognizing this limitation, the government, in collaboration with public sectors and health service providers, took vital steps to ensure that medical attention remained accessible to those who needed it most.
To address the situation, several contact numbers and step-by-step procedures were issued to guide people during the implementation of the total curfew. These guidelines were especially helpful for those who needed medical attention, whether for Family Medicine, Dental visits, or other healthcare concerns. In particular, Dhaman Primary Healthcare Center played a significant role in coordinating services for the general public.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Medical Visits
During the total curfew, residents in need of medical care were instructed to follow specific steps before leaving their homes. These steps were made simple and accessible to ensure that everyone—regardless of nationality or background—could follow the proper protocols and receive medical assistance legally and safely.
Step 1: Call to Book an Appointment
If a person needed to visit their Family Medicine or Dental Clinic, the first step was to call 1800019. This contact number was provided by Dhaman Primary Healthcare Center and served as the official line for booking appointments. By calling this number, patients could schedule a visit, ensuring that clinics could manage foot traffic and follow proper health protocols.
This step was crucial, as walk-ins were discouraged to prevent overcrowding and to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Appointment-based visits ensured that medical professionals could prepare in advance and maintain social distancing within their facilities.
Step 2: Obtain a Curfew Permit Online
Once an appointment was secured, the next step was to obtain an official curfew permit. Since movement during curfew hours was strictly regulated, this permit allowed individuals to travel to and from the clinic legally.
The Ministry of Interior provided an online platform to issue these permits. Residents were instructed to visit the following website:
http://curfew.paci.gov.kw
On this website, individuals would fill out a form with their personal details and appointment information. This would be verified, and if approved, a permit would be issued, allowing the person to exit their residence for the specified medical visit.
Step 3: Select “Doctor Visit” as Reason for Leave
When applying for the permit, the individual must choose the correct reason for leaving. In this case, it was important to select:
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“Doctor Visit” as the leave reason.
Selecting this option clearly indicated to authorities that the individual’s trip was essential and health-related. Failing to choose the correct reason could lead to issues at checkpoints or even penalties, so this step was emphasized in the guidelines.
Area-Specific Automated Numbers
To better serve the public, automated contact numbers were also provided for two major centers. These numbers allowed individuals to call and receive automated information about services or general healthcare procedures during the curfew period.
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Hawally Center Automated Number: 94333745
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Farwaniya Center Automated Number: 90579852
These numbers helped reduce the pressure on human operators and allowed residents to quickly get the information they needed without long wait times. They also made it easier for people who were unsure about the process or wanted confirmation about opening hours, clinic policies, or contact information.
Clinic Operating Days and Hours
Despite the total curfew, clinics remained open on specific days of the week to accommodate medical needs. According to the announcement from Dhaman Primary Healthcare Center, their facilities operated on:
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Saturday
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Monday
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Wednesday
On each of these days, the office hours were strictly from:
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11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
These limited hours ensured that services remained available while still adhering to strict COVID-19 safety guidelines. Medical staff followed protocols such as wearing PPE, regularly disinfecting clinics, and enforcing social distancing among patients.
Supporting Public Health Under COVID-19 Restrictions
These structured guidelines and contact systems played a crucial role in maintaining the public’s access to essential healthcare during the COVID-19 crisis. The collaborative effort between the Kuwaiti government, Ministry of Health, and private institutions like Dhaman Primary Healthcare Center showcased the importance of adaptability during emergencies.
While the government could not physically monitor the health status of every citizen and resident, by providing clear procedures and tools—such as the hotline, automated numbers, and online curfew permits—they empowered the public to take charge of their own health responsibly. This partnership between authorities and the community helped prevent further spread of COVID-19 while still addressing the daily health needs of the population.
In conclusion, the steps taken during Kuwait’s total curfew were not only necessary but also well-organized to support the public in a time of crisis. Through coordination, communication, and care, the country made healthcare accessible even during the most restrictive periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.

They will also conduct Free Medical Consultation through any phone call or WhatsApp. For any appointment, they can call through 1800019 during Saturday and Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Video calls are also available with a Family Doctor. Full privacy and confidentiality about the patient’s details are ensured. For more information, they can also visit this link. http://tatamman.dhaman.co/

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A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books. Read more: About DiaryNiGracia
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