KUWAIT CITY, Feb 1:  Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi highlighted Kuwait's significant advancements in the treatment of digestive system and liver diseases in recent years, attributing these achievements to the dedication of national professionals and strong cooperation with international institutions. He made these remarks during his opening speech at the Third Conference of the Gastroenterology and Liver Association on Friday. The conference, which continues Kuwait’s medical progress, aims to spotlight the latest research and technologies in diagnosing and treating digestive and liver diseases.

Dr. Al-Awadhi emphasized several key accomplishments in the healthcare sector. One of the most notable achievements is the Haya Al-Habib Center for Digestive System at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, which has become a hub for research and studies. The center has conducted more than 30 scientific research projects over the past five years, many of which have been presented at prestigious conferences and published in renowned journals.

He also recognized the Thunayan Al-Ghanim Center for Digestive System at Al-Amiri Hospital for receiving international accreditation. It has become the first training center in the Middle East certified by the International Bowel Ultrasound Organization (IBUS) to train doctors in diagnosing and following up on patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Dr. Al-Awadhi further praised the Liver Transplant Unit at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital for its impressive success in liver transplants. In coordination with international hospitals, the unit has performed liver transplants for over 123 Kuwaiti patients in recent years.

The Gastroenterology Department at Jahra Hospital was also commended for its expertise in performing precise laparoscopic surgeries to remove colon tumors, a procedure that eliminates the need for traditional surgery. In the past year alone, more than 2,000 endoscopic operations and 1,200 ultrasound procedures were conducted.

The minister stressed that these achievements would not have been possible without the support of Kuwait’s wise leadership and the Ministry of Health’s ambitious vision to enhance medical services and elevate Kuwait’s standing in the global healthcare community. He also emphasized that ongoing collaboration with both local and international institutions strengthens Kuwait’s ability to offer advanced healthcare based on solid scientific principles.

The third conference of the Gastroenterology and Liver Association serves as an important platform, bringing together leading doctors, researchers, and experts from both inside and outside Kuwait. Dr. Al-Awadhi noted the conference’s rich scientific program, which includes specialized workshops aimed at enhancing doctors' skills in advanced fields of gastroenterology and liver diseases.

Dr. Hiba Al-Farhan, head of the conference organizing committee, expressed that the three-day event was organized to promote and unify medical efforts in advancing the field of digestive system and liver diseases. She highlighted the innovative workshops designed to improve doctors’ practical and scientific expertise, such as those focusing on how to prepare scientific research, measure liver stiffness, and stop digestive system bleeding using the latest techniques.

The conference also featured discussions on stomach diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, colon and liver diseases, and the latest developments in treatment. Dr. Al-Farhan took pride in Kuwait’s strong presence in international forums, noting that Kuwaiti doctors have a prominent role in global organizations. Kuwait is currently representing the Middle East for the third consecutive time in the World Bowel Sonar Organization.

She also commended Kuwait's ongoing collaboration with European organizations to train doctors in endoscopic techniques and tumor removal, positioning Kuwait as an accredited training center for these advanced procedures. Additionally, efforts are being made to cooperate with major international hospitals to facilitate liver transplant operations and ensure patient follow-up at the highest medical standards.