Expansion project covers over 22,000 m² of advanced medical infrastructure; an estimated cost of KD 19 million
KUWAIT: In a milestone that reaffirms its deep-rooted commitment to the community and its pioneering leadership in healthcare sector engagement, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) held a ceremonial event to lay the foundation stone for the expansion of its Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, & Stem Cell Transplant, through the development of the new building. The ceremony was held in the presence of Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, Hamad Al-Bahar, NBK Group Chairman, and Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of NBK, alongside senior executives from the Bank, the Ministry and the hospital. This milestone reflects the strength of the strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors.
This project follows the Council of Ministers’ approval to accept NBK’s donation to fully fund the expansion project which spans over 22,000 square meters of advanced medical infrastructure at a total cost of nearly KD 19 million. Through this initiative, NBK reinforces its role as a leading national financial institution that places community development at the heart of its priorities, recognizing investment in health, education, and the environment as an integral part of its social responsibility.
Head of the Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Department at NBK Hospital Dr Sondos Al-Shereedah
Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi at f the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Specialized Hospital for Children
Furthermore, this expansion marks a pivotal milestone in the journey of the NBK Specialized Children’s Hospital, which began in 2000 with the establishment of Building (A) and continued in 2017 with the addition of Building (B), introducing bone marrow transplantation and stem cell therapy, a development that significantly enhanced the quality and efficiency of patient care, representing a national milestone that enabled Kuwait to localize this advanced form of treatment and spare children and their families the hardship of traveling abroad for care.
With the completion of Building (C), the hospital will evolve into a fully integrated medical facility comprising: * 66 patient rooms dedicated to hematology, hematologic malignancies and medical oncology. * Specialized wings for hematology and oncology. * Pediatric intensive care unit. * Stem cell therapy unit. * Comprehensive laboratory, pharmacy, and radiology department.* Operating rooms and interventional procedure suites. * Emergency services. * Administrative, IT, engineering and support facilities.
The next phase will witness the actual construction of the new building, reflecting NBK’s vision to expand pediatric care services. This will be followed by equipping the new building with the latest medical technologies, furnishings, and medical devices in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, leading up to the inauguration phase, which will include intensive staff training and system testing to ensure the delivery of exceptional care from day one.
It is worth noting that the design and supervision were carried out in collaboration between NBK’s Engineering Department and Gulf Consult, the project consultant, while TAG Advisory Group serving as medical consultant and Imar as the main contractor. The project was also recognized with the International Architectural Excellence Award from the Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi at the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Specialized Hospital for Children
Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi and other officials are pictured during the event.
NBK Group Chief Executive Officer Issam Al-Sager
A generous initiative
On this occasion, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, expressed his deep appreciation to NBK for its steadfast commitment to social responsibility and its generous initiative in enhancing the infrastructure of the healthcare sector. “We, at the Ministry of Health, are pleased to take part in the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new expansion of the NBK Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, & Stem Cell Transplant, a project that embodies the true spirit of partnership between the public and private sectors in supporting the advancement of Kuwait’s healthcare system,” Dr Al-Awadhi remarked.
“This initiative by NBK stands as a testament to the vital role of community partnership in supporting national efforts to enhance medical services and ensure the well-being of our children, who represent the future of our country.” He said, noting that the Ministry of Health’s collaboration with NBK in supporting pediatric care has been ongoing since the establishment of the NBK Specialized Children’s Hospital in 2000, followed by its expansion in 2017, and now reaching a new milestone with Building (C), which marks a significant leap forward in the hospital’s service development.
A message of hope
Commenting on this milestone, Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer of NBK, said: “We take pride at NBK in being a key partner in Kuwait’s development journey, and we firmly believe that social responsibility is not a choice, but a national and moral obligation.” He further explained that the expansion project of the NBK Children’s Hospital, through the establishment of the new building extends the Bank’s long-standing commitment to supporting healthcare and reflects NBK’s belief that investing in children’s health is an investment in the nation’s future. Moreover, he affirmed that the project demonstrates the financial sector’s ability to play a developmental role that goes far beyond project financing.
“Our total investments in the NBK Specialized Children’s Hospital have reached nearly KD 30 million since its establishment, starting with Building (A), inaugurated in 2000, and now with Building (C), whose foundation stone we are celebrating today. The new building spans more than 22,000 square meters, with an estimated cost of around KD 19 million,” Al-Sager added. He noted that the role of the NBK Children’s Hospital extends beyond providing specialized healthcare for children, as it also plays a pivotal role in supporting Kuwait’s overall healthcare infrastructure. As the only facility in the country offering specialized services in pediatric hematology and hematologic oncology, ensuring its sustainability remains of utmost importance.
“The new hospital is not merely a medical facility, it is a message of hope to every child in pain and every family searching for a ray of light. We, at NBK are committed to making a lasting impact by prioritizing the most vulnerable groups and providing a holistic healing environment that aligns with the highest global standard,” Al-Sager highlighted. He also noted that the new project will help expand capacity and enhance specialized services to support the existing hospital, ensuring that every young patient receives the highest standards of healthcare. He further confirmed that the Bank continuously works to upgrade all hospital units, with the goal of establishing it as a leading medical institution in Kuwait and the region for pediatric care.
Moreover, Al-Sager emphasized that as a leading national institution in the field of social responsibility, NBK remains steadfast in its dedication to serving the community, a bond that has been deeply rooted for decades. He further explained that the launch of Building C Project marks a new chapter in the Bank’s humanitarian mission, aimed at helping children overcome the challenges of treatment and regain their health, enabling them to lead lives filled with hope and optimism.
Al-Sager concluded by saying: “This project stands as a living example of how partnerships between the public and private sectors can create sustainable healthcare solutions that benefit the entire community. At NBK, we will continue to uphold our social mission, remaining at the forefront of institutions that embed social responsibility as a deeply rooted corporate practice — one that begins with people and invests in hope”.
Center of excellence in holistic care
The NBK Specialized Children’s Hospital holds a vital place within the healthcare system, offering free services to children under the age of sixteen who are battling cancer. The hospital’s philosophy is rooted in a holistic care approach that extends beyond medical treatment to encompass the psychological and social well-being of both the child and their family. Its management places the welfare of patients and their families at the core of its healthcare programs and services.
In its commitment to supporting the emotional and social well-being of children throughout their treatment journey, NBK continues to back the Children’s Hospital through a series of recreational and humanitarian programs and initiatives designed to uplift the spirits of patients and their families. NBK’s contributions to advancing the healthcare sector, particularly through the NBK Children’s Hospital, are an integral part of its broader social responsibility strategy. The Bank’s role is not limited to healthcare support but extends to other vital areas that promote sustainable development in Kuwait.
Through a diverse range of initiatives spanning health, education, social development, the environment, sports, and public awareness, NBK continues to implement a comprehensive strategy aimed at serving the Kuwaiti community and enhancing the quality of life across the country. Furthermore, NBK continues to reinforce its position as a key contributor to humanitarian and developmental projects through effective partnerships with government entities and civil society organizations. In doing so, the Bank affirms that its role extends beyond banking to include active participation in building a healthy and cohesive community.
