KUWAIT CITY, Feb 23: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi officially inaugurated the Public Health Laboratory for Viruses, marking it as the first laboratory of its kind in the world. This groundbreaking facility makes Kuwait the first country to implement electronic connectivity and information systems integrated with the advanced Alinity systems.

In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Sunday, Dr. Al-Awadhi explained that the laboratory receives samples from various entities, including the Ministries of Interior and Defense, expatriate labor examinations, food handlers, the Medical Council, and marriage examinations.

He noted that the laboratory, which serves as a reference point for both government and private sectors, processes approximately 10,000 samples daily from various organizations, including private and public hospitals, for viral testing. Dr. Al-Awadhi highlighted that previously, samples were processed manually; however, the new system allows for automated processing, reducing human intervention. This advancement is expected to minimize errors, enhance the accuracy of results, and improve the overall quality of health services provided.

The minister also emphasized the collaboration with the private sector to provide medical devices that meet the highest international standards, ensuring safety and quality. The launch of this laboratory represents a significant step toward achieving a qualitative shift in the ministry’s approach to healthcare quality and service.

Dr. Sarah Al-Qabandi, Head of Public Health Laboratories, also spoke to KUNA, explaining that the health laboratories serve as the reference point for Kuwait. She further described the laboratory as using the world’s first fully automated system, featuring advanced and precise technologies to automatically track samples from the moment of collection to the point of analysis, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Dr. Al-Qabandi highlighted that this system significantly enhances the accuracy and speed of results, reducing human error.

Faisal Al-Muajjel, the project’s implementing company representative, also provided a statement to KUNA. He explained that the project involves integrating five Alinity systems with the innovative automatic GLP system for the first time globally. This combination offers proven technology with increased flexibility, aimed at achieving the goals of public health laboratories. Al-Muajjel pointed out that the system provides the latest technologies for accurate epidemic diagnosis with high efficiency, all within a compact space compared to other systems. He stressed that the project would further strengthen Kuwait's standing as a regional and international health reference.

Al-Muajjel also noted that the system offers solutions for transferring samples between healthcare centers and the central health laboratory using the Indexor system. This feature allows for full tracking of samples' location, temperature, and safety through comprehensive information panels, from collection and transportation to laboratory analysis and storage, ensuring easy access to samples.