KUWAIT CITY, Nov 21: Dr. Khaldoun Al-Hamoud, a heart failure consultant, revealed that approximately 80,000 people in Kuwait suffer from heart failure, with around 4,000 individuals experiencing advanced cases that require advanced medical interventions. He noted that heart failure remains one of the country's most significant health challenges, affecting 2% of the general population and 10% of individuals aged 65 and above.

In light of this, Dr. Al-Hamoud announced the upcoming First National Forum on Organ Failure, which will focus on heart, kidney, lung, and liver failures. The event, organized in collaboration with the University of Chicago Medicine, the Kuwait Medical Association, and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, will be held next Saturday morning at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Over 300 local and international experts are expected to participate.

The forum aims to address challenges in diagnosing and treating organ failure and improving patient care before and after organ transplants. It will also feature discussions on the latest scientific developments in this field. Dr. Al-Hamoud emphasized that the mortality rates for heart failure are higher than those of certain cancers. Five-year mortality rates post-diagnosis for heart failure reach 48%, compared to 30% for colon cancer and 10% for breast cancer. Severe cases may require mechanical heart pumps or heart transplantation, life-saving interventions for many patients.

Dr. Al-Hamoud commended the Ministry of Health for supporting initiatives that enhance the quality of healthcare in Kuwait. He noted that the ministry plays a crucial role in facilitating scientific events, which help improve medical infrastructure and enhance local healthcare services, ultimately benefiting patients.

Additionally, the forum will discuss the economic burden of treating patients abroad, which places significant strain on the state budget. Dr. Al-Hamoud highlighted that the Ministry of Health is working to develop local healthcare infrastructure to localize advanced medical services, reduce reliance on treatment abroad, and provide comprehensive care to a larger number of citizens.

The forum will cater to doctors from various specialties, including cardiology, nephrology, pulmonology, liver specialists, organ transplant surgeons, immunologists, and nurses. It aims to create a comprehensive platform for sharing expertise and fostering cooperation across specialties.

Dr. Al-Hamoud invited all medical professionals to attend the forum, emphasizing that this event, with the support of the Ministry of Health and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, represents a significant step in improving the healthcare system in Kuwait and reducing the financial burden on the state.