KUWAIT CITY, Jan 5: Director of the Emergency Medical Services Department at the Ministry of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Shatti revealed that the department provided medical support to more than 313,000 football fans at Jaber Stadium during the Khaleeji Zain 26 Cup, which took place over 13 days from December 21 to January 4. In a press statement issued yesterday, Dr. Al-Shatti explained that the department handled approximately 517 medical cases at both Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium and Jaber Al- Mubarak International Stadium. Of these, 76 percent (394 cases) were males, and 24 percent (123 cases) were females.

Also 94 percent of the cases (487) were treated on-site, and 7.5 percent (39 cases) were transferred to specialized hospitals. The medical cases varied widely, including severe blood pressure disorders, diabetes, chest pain, angina, and musculoskeletal injuries such as shoulder dislocations, ankle sprains, knee injuries, kidney colic, and digestive system disorders. Dr. Al-Shatti extended his congratulations to Kuwait, led by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah, and Minister of Youth and Sports Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, on the successful hosting of the Khaleeji Zain Cup. He praised the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, Undersecretary Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, and the relevant assistant undersecretaries. Dr. Al-Shatti also expressed special appreciation for the medical emergency heroes who played an important role during the event. He explained that between 70 and 100 technicians were deployed at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium, and 120 to 400 technicians were stationed at Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium. Also, ambulances were provided, with three to ten of them stationed at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium, and 20 to 50 at Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium. The department also used golf carts and four-wheel drive bikes to efficiently transport patients and the injured within and around the stadiums.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff