KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi highlighted the significance of a meeting held on Thursday between the Ministry and representatives of several American hospitals and medical companies, aimed at enhancing joint cooperation, exchanging expertise and advancing Kuwait’s healthcare system. In a press statement following the meeting, which was organized in coordination with the US Embassy in Kuwait, Dr Al-Awadhi said the participating institutions have longstanding ties with the Ministry, either through treating patients in the United States or through visits by American doctors and nurses to Kuwait to train national staff and perform complex surgeries.
He explained that the Ministry seeks to establish direct institutional partnerships between specialized departments in Kuwaiti hospitals and their American counterparts, facilitating the transfer of modern medical knowledge, advanced technologies and innovative equipment. These initiatives, he noted, are expected to reduce the number of patients sent abroad for treatment while raising the overall quality of healthcare services in Kuwait.
A scene from the Ministry of Health’s meeting with representatives from several American hospitals and medical companies.
Dr Al-Awadhi also pointed out that several American doctors are currently visiting patients in Kuwait who previously underwent surgeries in the US, underscoring the strength of bilateral medical relations. Dr Hisham Kalender, Assistant Undersecretary for External Health Services at the Ministry, said the participating American institutions included healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and firms specializing in technology and digital transformation. He stressed that these partnerships aim to localize healthcare services, improve service quality and safety and expand access to advanced medical treatments.
Dr Kalender highlighted the involvement of renowned institutions such as Johns Hopkins Hospital and Dana-Farber, as well as initiatives including visiting physician programs and telemedicine services. He added that the Ministry is working towards signing memoranda of understanding with several institutions to broaden cooperation across all healthcare levels, including doctors, nurses, technicians, pharmacists and support staff. He concluded by expressing hope that these agreements will result in collaborative projects across primary care facilities, general hospitals and specialized hospitals in Kuwait in the near future, enhancing the efficiency and capabilities of national healthcare personnel. — KUNA
