Otolaryngology Conference offers a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences
KUWAIT: Minister of Health, Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, highlighted Kuwait’s commitment to advancing medical expertise and adopting cutting-edge technologies during the 47th Annual Conference on Otolaryngology (ENT), which opened on Wednesday and concludes on November 6. In his opening address, Dr Al-Awadhi said the conference underscores the Ministry’s dedication to providing healthcare services of the highest quality, safety and compassion. He noted that the event brings together distinguished specialists from Kuwait and abroad, offering a platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences that contribute to the development of medical skills and promote international scientific collaboration.
This year’s conference features prominent participation from Canada, Turkey, Russia and Europe, alongside Gulf and Arab experts. Kuwaiti doctors are presenting pioneering experiences and performing advanced surgeries in otolaryngology and head and neck procedures using the latest medical techniques. Dr Al-Awadhi highlighted the achievements of the Zain Specialized ENT Center, including the first surgery of its kind in a government hospital in the Middle East to treat sleep-disordered breathing using a smart chip to stimulate the 12th cranial nerve under the tongue, performed entirely by Kuwaiti physicians.
Health Minister Dr Ahmed Al-Awadhi delivers a speech during the opening of the 47th Conference on Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery. – KUNA photos
The center has also successfully conducted cochlear implant surgeries on infants aged six and nine months who lost hearing due to meningitis, introduced the TRV device for treating motion sickness — the first in the country — and established a specialized ENT clinic in the Sabah Al-Ahmad area, operating two days a week, along with a 24/7 emergency ENT clinic in Mutlaa. Dr Al-Awadhi urged participants to apply the knowledge and expertise gained during the conference to enhance medical performance and achieve a qualitative leap in healthcare services across Kuwait.
Dr Mutlaq Al-Sihan, Head of the Department of Otolaryngology and Chairman of the Conference, outlined the three-day program. The first day focuses on advancements in cosmetic and reconstructive head and neck surgeries, the second day on microscopic ear surgeries, cochlear implants and implantable devices, and the final day on diagnosing and treating balance disorders.
Dr Al-Sihan noted that specialized workshops on hearing, balance disorders, and speech difficulties will emphasize the latest scientific research and global surgical techniques. The conference will also showcase major procedures in microscopic rhinoplasty and otoplasty performed by visiting consultants. He expressed gratitude to Minister Al-Awadhi for his patronage and continued support for the development of medical services, and thanked the organizing team and sponsors, wishing participants a productive and successful conference. — KUNA
