Deals aim to cut need for overseas treatment through telemedicine, training programs
PARIS: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health signed five cooperation agreements on Friday with leading French medical institutions, with a focus on improving local healthcare delivery through telemedicine, specialist consultations and advanced training for medical professionals.
“This step marks a fresh start in implementing the vision of Kuwait’s wise leadership, under His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to strengthen ties with France’s leading medical institutions,” Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi said in a joint statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and Kuwait TV.
The agreements were signed with Almaviva Santé, Institut Curie, Hôpital Foch, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, and the Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital — institutions recognized for their clinical and academic expertise.
The partnerships aim to enhance specialized care in areas such as oncology, cardiology, and organ transplants. One of the key components is the development of telemedicine services that would allow Kuwaiti patients and physicians to access expert opinions and diagnostic support remotely.
“This allows patients to benefit from the latest developments in disease treatment without the need to travel abroad,” said Dr Hisham Kelendar, Assistant Undersecretary for Foreign Health Services. “This will also help enhance diagnostic support by using the latest technologies in sample and image analysis, which improves diagnosis accuracy and contributes to better treatment planning.”
Kelendar noted that the MoUs also include launching advanced training programs such as international fellowships and clinical observerships, which aim to develop the skills and efficiency of Kuwaiti medical professionals “according to the latest global standards.”
The agreements also aim to improve Kuwait’s medical referral system to ensure that patients are directed to specialized hospitals according to their needs, while also promoting joint clinical research to develop new treatments and improve existing ones.
“These MoUs open wide horizons for practical collaboration across various health fields,” said Al-Awadhi, noting the participation of French medical experts in the signing ceremony as an indicator of the partnerships’ seriousness.
Kuwait’s Ambassador to France Abdullah Al-Shaheen said the agreements reflect ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties. “These agreements are a direct result of His Highness the Amir’s recent visit to Paris, which gave a strong push to bilateral cooperation, particularly in the healthcare sector,” he said.
The MoUs were signed at Kuwait’s Embassy in Paris, in the presence of Minister Al-Awadhi, Ambassador Al-Shaheen, Dr Kelendar, and representatives from the five French institutions. — KUNA
